Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 850 | 20 September 2024

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Making Every Adult Matter

People facing multiple disadvantage experience a combination of problems including homelessness, substance misuse, contact with the criminal justice system and mental ill health. This is a systemic issue – not an individual one.

Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) is a unique coalition of the national charities Clinks, Collective Voice, Homeless Link and Mind. Representing over 1,300 frontline organisations. MEAM supports local areas across the country to transform services and systems to directly improve the lives of people facing multiple disadvantage.

In addition to the above, MEAM also shapes policy, promotes inclusion, delivers training, provides specialist systems consultancy support and develops Systems Leadership capability.

Please do reach out to see if there is a MEAM partnership in your local area and how you can be involved!

CLINKS EVENT: London Roundtable - Youth Justice and Transitions

London based voluntary sector organisations working in the criminal justice system are invited to share their insight and expertise during a roundtable discussion next week about youth justice and transitions for 18-25s [25 September, 12:30-13:00, online, free].

Facilitated by Clinks and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), the purpose of the roundtable discussion is to (i) highlight impactful work from voluntary organisations working in youth justice and supporting transitions between youth and adult services for 18-25s in London; and (ii) identify how London agencies can better support voluntary sector organisations, and work in a more coordinated way, to improve support for children involved in the youth justice system.

Please email matthew.uberoi@clinks.org to register for this online discussion. 

CLINKS EVENT: Fair Chance Employment

Join us for a thought-provoking webinar that delves into the critical issue of Fair Chance Employment in the UK. This co-hosted event with Clinks and the Fair Chance Business Alliance will bring together inclusive employers, leading voluntary organisations, aligned stakeholders, and wider advocates to discuss the challenges faced by individuals often furthest from the workforce and explore the new Fair Chance Employment Charter as an innovative solution. [8 October 2024, Online, Free]. Find out more

MEMBER FOCUS: The Community Impact Initiative

The Community Impact Initiative C.I.C. (known as the Cii) is an award-winning social change organisation committed to the development, improvement, and sustainability of our communities.

They are a not-for-profit organisation that supports people to improve their health and wellbeing, build their confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, achieve qualifications, and make positive life improvements, through the regeneration of our local communities. Find out more about the Cii here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Mental health of young black men in prison

Last year Spark Inside published Being Well Being Equal - promoting the wellbeing of young men and young Black men in the criminal justice system. Spark Inside is continuing to build on this work by focusing on the mental health of young Black men in prison.

While young men themselves will be central to the development of this work, they also want to provide a platform to promote the great work that is already being undertaken in this field by healthcare, criminal justice and voluntary sector organisations. If you are working in prisons to promote the mental health of young Black men Spark Inside would love to hear from you! Please contact: comms@sparkinside.org

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Experiences of police custody

Safer London is calling for young women aged 18-24 who have been in police custody (who were between the ages of 18 and 24 when they were in custody), to share their experiences. Their goal is to ensure fair treatment for women in custody and to inform future guidelines for the police and legal system, as well as create a selection of custody suite resources for young women to inform them of their rights and what support is available.

Participants can share their thoughts in confidential interviews (in person or online) and receive a £50 voucher for their input. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Celebrating success at the Inspire Justice Awards

The Prison Phoenix Trust was highly commended for its work supporting mental health in prisons in the Inspire Justice Awards on 12th September. With a staff of less than 6 and a volunteer team of 31, the charity supports 196 establishments across the UK. In all regions, meditation and yoga was recognised for its value to the wellbeing of people in prison in their physical, mental and spiritual health.

Other not-for-profits and charities recognised at the awards ceremony in London for their work in criminal justice included: PACT, The Clink Charity, Spark2Life, and Humbercare Circles of Support and Accountability. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: The Forgiveness Project's 20th anniversary

To mark their 20th anniversary The Forgiveness Project want to discuss the impact and meaning of a word they've been grappling with for twenty years - forgiveness! [24 September, 4:30pm-6:00pm, Online, Pay what you can].

Forgiveness can be a messy concept; multifaceted, multi-dimensional, open to interpretation, easily misunderstood and not always welcome. Recently at an international conference in Rwanda, co-leads Sandra and Marina observed (again) that wherever they go in the world, the word forgiveness engenders vigorous conversations. As Sandra said: “Where you put the word forgiveness in the room, it either leads or leaves the room”.

The sticky, tricky, enticing and intriguing nature of forgiveness has followed them from the beginning, which is why, on their 20th anniversary, The Forgiveness Project wants to support the global initiative of one of their storytellers Azim Khamisa – Peace through Forgiveness – and offer an event to dive right into the heart of the matter. Find out more and register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: London Chemsex conferences

The Gay Men's Health Collective is sharing information and understanding about the chemsex landscape in the Capital [11 October and 15 November. Camden Town Hall, London. £25]. They will explore the impact on individuals and services, and strengthening the health and harm reduction response. Understand the chemsex landscape, including prevalence; how chemsex harms impact health service provision including criminal justice; and explore practical solutions with a focus on harm reduction.

A day of knowledge and learning with practitioners and specialists from the fields of chemsex, harm reduction, and sexual health; and colleagues from the voluntary, statutory, and governmental sectors. The conference is run on a not-for-profit basis. Tickets cover entrance, resources, refreshments, and a delicious sandwich lunch (meat, vegetarian and vegan options) with fruit and nibbles. Find out more and register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Brighton bomb, 40 years on

On the 40th anniversary of the Brighton bomb, Patrick Magee and Jo Berry will be in conversation with Marina Cantacuzino, founder of The Forgiveness Project [16 October 2024, 6:30pm-8:00pm, St James’s Church, London, £10-£15].

The discussion will focus on the courage and complexity of a healing journey developed over 24 years. Despite the fact that Patrick killed Jo’s father, their story has become a profound example of reconciliation and the power of compassion. Their experience is unique in the world and has been the subject of peace studies and conflict transformation education globally.

Jo is an international speaker, educationist and peace builder, as well as founder of the charity 'Building Bridges for Peace'. Patrick Magee was released from prison in 1999 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. For 27 years he was a committed member of the IRA and remains a republican. He completed his PhD while in prison and in 2021 his memoir 'Where Grieving Begins' was published by Pluto Press. Find out more and register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Mycelial is on tour

Open Clasp is back with their first major international production co-created with sex worker activists from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Ireland and the UK. [September to December, various locations, variable pricing].

An underground community of sex workers scattered across the globe and rooted in their fight for justice, stand together, deciding enough is enough. Twelve powerful activists are connected by invisible threads that build the strength and power they need to make change above ground.

We are on tour with Mycelial screenings and post-show discussions which will be relevant to CJS, public health, safeguarding, adult and children services and policy and law makers and those looking at decriminalising sex work to end VAWG. Find out more and book here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENT: Effectiveness of arts-based workshops

This event by the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, celebrates the culmination of a two year research project exploring the effectiveness of arts-based Transformative Justice workshops in creating stronger connections between women with convictions and the communities around them. [17 October, 17.30-19.30, London Southbank University, Free]. 

The event will outline the nature of the participatory research, the creative approach, and an overview of the findings – including the formation of the Hopeful Justice Collective and the development of a creative toolkit and training offer. The evening will include an exhibition space showcasing creative work undertaken by the community and will conclude with an opportunity for exploring further collaborations with food and refreshments. Get your tickets here

FUNDING: Probation Grant opportunities for Ethnic Minority groups in Yorkshire and Humber

His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service are excited to announce upcoming market engagement sessions for Probation Grant opportunities for Ethnic Minority groups in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

These sessions will take place on:

  • [24 September, 13:30 – 14:30, 5 Wellington Place, Leeds]
  • [26 September, 13:30 – 14:30, Fraternal House Probation Office, Bradford]
  • [27 September, 09:15 – 10:15am, via MS Teams] - You can access the Virtual Market Engagement Event here

The events will cover:

  • Purpose and Aims of the Grant Funding
  • Details on the Client Base
  • Timeline for the Grant Competition
  • Onboarding Process for Providers.

For more details and/or to register your interest, please contact probationsourcingteam@justice.gov.uk, confirming which event you are interested in attending, and names & email addresses of attendees at least 24 hours ahead of each event.

PUBLICATION: second edition of the Cheal Report

Prisoners Abroad has published the second annual edition of the Cheal Report - named after one of their founders, Chris Cheal. The report, compiled using data that Prisoners Abroad collects and has access to, brings together important insights into the number and characteristics of British people that are in prisons around the world, their family and friends, and those that return to the UK each year.

This year, they have also included data on the number of repatriations and transfers back to the UK. This edition has built on what Prisoners Abroad learnt from publishing the report for the first time last year, and they will continue to look at how they can improve future editions, so please do get in touch with them if you have any feedback, comments or suggestions. Read the report here

FEATURED VACANCY: Service Delivery Manager 

Spark Inside is seeking a Service Delivery Manager [£33,437, Full-Time, East Midlands] to lead their delivery at HMP Ranby and across the region. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at building relationships with young people, is highly organised, and has the passion to achieve outcomes in challenging environments. This is an exciting on-the-ground position, working mainly within prisons in East Midlands, but as part of a team working in prisons nationally, as well as in the community in partnership with other organisations. You will be responsible for engaging young people in prison and in the community to participate in Spark Inside's life coaching workshops and one-to-one coaching. [Find out more and apply by 30 September here] 

FEATURED VACANCY: Specialist Outreach Coaches – Northumbria 

Changing Lives is seeking two Specialist Outreach Coaches - Northumbria [£28,000 Full-Time, Newcastle Upon-Tyne] to join their amazing team in supporting women involved in the criminal justice system. Underpinned by an in-depth understanding of trauma, interventions for women by women are delivered through a range of 121 appointments and creative group work, where no two days are the same. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment, they would love to hear from you. 

This post is exempt under section 7 (2)(e) and (f) of The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and open to female applicants only. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS check and Level 1 clearance. Find out more and apply by 30 September here

FEATURED VACANCY: Head of Policy Programmes and Public Affairs 

The Traveller Movement is seeking a dynamic, visionary and leadership individual to make a real impact as our team Head of Policy Programmes and Public Affairs [£38,000 -£40,000, Stockwell]. This is an opportunity to influence national policy, lead ground-breaking research and powerful campaigns that make a difference in the lives of Romani, Traveller and Roma communities. The role requires consulting with stakeholders and networks, you will develop innovative policy, research and campaigning initiatives. Your work will not only guide the organisation’s direction but also empower user voice, influence decision-makers and drive lasting change. Suitable candidates from the Romani Traveller Roma communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Find out more and apply by 30 September here 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Women’s Co-production Co-ordinator with Brighton Women's Centre [£28,393, Brighton Based with some East and West Sussex, part time]; Head of Services (Maternity Cover) with Brighton Women's Centre [£37,890, Brighton, East and West Sussex, part time]; Pantry Coordinator with St Giles Trust [£27,196, Kensington & Chelsea, part time]; Project Support Worker - UR4 Driving with The Upper Room [£13/hour, London, part time]; Head of Policy Programmes and Public Affairs with The Traveller Movement [£38,000 - £40,000, Stockwell, SW4 6QX, part time]; Team Manager - HMP Wayland with Phoenix Futures [£27,000, Thetford, Norfolk, full time]; Volunteer Distance-Learning Tutor with Criminon UK [working from home, voluntary, part time]; Treasurer with Prisoners Abroad [Finsbury Park, London, voluntary, part time]; Accommodation Adviser with St Giles Trust [£22,000 - £28,000, Wetherby - HMP Wealstun, full time]; Accommodation Adviser with St Giles Trust [£22,000 - £28,000, HMP Leeds, West Yorkshire, part time].

For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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