Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 860 | 29 November 2024

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Independent Sentencing Review call for evidence

Clinks invites you to contribute to our response to the Independent Sentencing Review. Your input will help shape Clinks’ response and ensure the voices of the voluntary sector are heard. This is an opportunity to share examples, evidence, and recommendations from your work with people in prison and the community.

The survey focuses on key areas outlined in the Review's Terms of Reference and other critical issues, with space to provide publications and detailed evidence. Your time and insights are greatly appreciated. Complete the survey here

CLINKS NEWS: Opportunity to design a 'proof of concept intervention' that will tackle the challenges of women in custody

The London livery companies have been funding projects within the criminal justice sector for over fifty years. In 2030, the Worshipful Company of Weavers will celebrate both the livery movement being 900 years old and their support of the justice sector since 1973. To mark this anniversary, the Weavers have agreed to continue their support for the sector up to 2030, with plans including:

a) Funding a Justice for Women summit in January 2025 to consider alternatives to women in custody.  To get more information on the Summit and apply for tickets, please visit: Collaborating to change the shape of justice for women

b) Announcing the design phase of a major sector-identified proof-of-concept intervention that will tackle the challenges of women in custody

c) Implementation of the proof-of-concept intervention

Find out more online. 

CLINKS EVENT: London Roundtable Discussion - Housing, Homelessness and Links to Reoffending

London based voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system are invited to share their insight and expertise during a roundtable discussion next week on housing and homelessness in London, and links to reoffending. Facilitated by Clinks and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), the purpose of the meeting is to discuss ways to improve:

  • cross-borough working
  • housing assessments pre-release
  • housing support for people on community sentences in London.

In addition, impactful work from voluntary organisations working to address rough sleeping, and ways this can be better supported by London agencies, will also be discussed. Please email matthew.uberoi@clinks.org to register for this online discussion and to receive the Microsoft Teams meeting link and invitation.

CLINKS EVENT: 

MEMBER FOCUS: 5asideCHESS 

5asideCHESS was invented as a shorter, quicker version of the traditional game of chess. Chess is understood and played all over the world meaning that you can still engage and connect even if you don’t speak the same language. The mental health benefits of chess are well documented it was recently discovered that chess therapy dates back to a Baghdad hospital in the 9th century. Chess can be beneficial for conditions such as ADHD and dementia but also, being a metaphor for life, chess can help teach and reinforce important life skills. 

Thousands of 5asideCHESS sets have been given to community spaces, libraries, cafes and bars. The work of 5asideCHESS with prisons, universities, youth groups, community centres and individuals of all ages helps them to make new friends, build confidence and develop new ways of thinking. 5asideCHESS is about Connection and CommUnity and how we can get people to help themselves and others. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: the impact of criminal records

Transform Justice has released a short film as part of their Fair Checks campaign highlighting the impact of criminal records on individuals trying to rebuild their lives. The film shares powerful stories, showcasing how current disclosure laws can act as barriers to employment, housing, and opportunities for rehabilitation.

Fair Checks calls for reform to create a fairer system that supports people in moving forward while maintaining public safety. Watch the film and learn more: Fair Checks film

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Mutual healing and the power of conversation

Sometimes talking to the person that hurt you most is the best way to heal.

It's Restorative Justice Week 2024! Why me?, a national Restorative Justice charity, have released a short film "What would you say?" showing how powerful the process can be for people affected by crime. Please watch and share to help more people understand how they can heal following a crime. Watch here 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Elimination of violence against women

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was on 25 November. Staff from Together for Mental Wellbeing who support women in the criminal justice system highlighted key changes that are needed to improve support for survivors of violence.

Recommendations include early intervention, trauma-informed approaches, gender-specific services, and holding perpetrators accountable. Improved housing and financial support, alongside culturally competent care, are vital to help women rebuild their lives.

Find out more about the day here, including views from staff and how we can improve safety and support for women.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Forgiveness at the dinner table

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves grappling with complex emotions involving unresolved family tensions. While the spirit of the season encourages celebration and connection, forgiving family members can be one of the most challenging aspects of this time of year.

Join The Forgiveness Project team and members of their community of storytellers for a participatory virtual ‘dinner table’, where they will offer a ‘menu’ of questions exploring the everyday aspects of forgiveness [11 December, 16:30 – 17:45, online, pay what you can - starting from £5].

You are invited to listen, reflect, respond and consider where you sit in relation to others at our virtual table. The Forgiveness Project hope their final event of 2024 will offer some useful perspectives that can support future gatherings with friends and family. Book your place at the table

FEATURED EVENT: Breaking barriers conference

Overcrowding, violence, drugs - the crisis in prisons is big news. But while debate centres on victims, prisoners and prison staff, the families of someone sent to prison often remain forgotten.

Drawing on significant experience supporting families affected by imprisonment, Ormiston Families brings together a range of experts including ex-prisoners, private sector innovators, and others working in the criminal justice space to share experience and expertise, and find solutions to an endemic issue. [26 February, 13:30 - 16:30, The Hold, 131 Fore Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1LR, from £25].

Hear from Paul Cowley MBE, Director of Rehabilitation at Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation; David Breakspear, ex-prisoner and peer mentor at Revolving Doors; research colleagues at the University of Suffolk; teams from Ormiston Families award-winning Breaking Barriers service and the voices of children and young people facing the reality of life with a loved one in prison.

A must attend event for anyone in contact with parents or children in the East of England. Whether you are an employer or educator, influence or operate within social policy, or provide support directly to families or prisoners – you have a role to play in improving outcomes for those affected by the justice system.

This event is part of the Winter Appeal - ticket revenue will contribute to supporting children and young people with a loved one in prison to feel happier, stronger and understood. Buy your ticket here

FEATURED EVENT: Expertise in ex-offender support

A dedicated, intensive workshop by OffPloy will support frontline advisors on how to identify, support and advocate for people with a criminal past. Delivered by Jacob and Rik who both have lived experience of the justice system. [28 January, 09:30 - 12:30, online, £90 -£180]. Key focus areas include: 

  • Understanding recent DBS rule changes
  • Identification and trust-building
  • Practical support strategies
  • Effective advocacy and collaboration

Find out more and book your tickets here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Inquiry into rehabilitation and resettlement

The Justice Committee has launched an inquiry into rehabilitation and resettlement, focusing on reducing reoffending and supporting prison leavers. It will examine the effectiveness of current rehabilitation services, barriers to resettlement such as housing and employment, and how agencies collaborate to deliver support. The inquiry also seeks to assess the long-term impact of existing strategies.

Written evidence is invited from experts and stakeholders, with submissions closing on [8 January 2024]. Find out more: Justice Committee Inquiry.

RESOURCE: Free distraction pack from Recoop

Spending Christmas in prison can be a particularly lonely season and for prison staff, being able to provide purposeful activity during this period can be difficult, with reduced staffing levels and operational challenges. To help support prison staff and general mental wellbeing over the festive season, Recoop are offering a free copy of their December distraction pack. Packed with holiday-inspired puzzles, activities, quizzes and more, they hope to provide an element of comfort during the Christmas period. Download the distraction pack here

FEATURED VACANCY: Delivery Manager  

Switchback is seeking a dynamic individual with excellent attention to detail to join their team as a Delivery Manager [£34,445 -£40,903, Full time, London]. You will be responsible for line managing Switchback Mentors, providing support, development, and motivation to ensure the delivery of the Switchback programme to a high standard, in line with their approach and values. You will ensure that the operational processes are well-developed and effectively implemented. Switchback supports young Londoners to live life differently after prison with award-winning results. Our Delivery Team has grown quickly over the last four years to ten Switchback Mentors with two Delivery Managers and a Pathways Partnership Manager. [Find out more and apply here by 6th January 2025] 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Prison Facilitator with Shannon Trust [£27,584, HMP Manchester, full time]; Peer Coordinator with The Forward Trust [£24,000, 8 Corporation Street, Lincoln, LN2 1HN, full time]; Family Support Worker with Ormiston Families [£21,840, The Visitors' Centre at HMP Whitemoor, part time]; Development Coordinator (Fundraising) with Prison Phoenix Trust [£34,314 - £37,035, hybrid/Oxford, part time]; Digital Yoga Coordinator with Prison Phoenix Trust [£31,067, remote, part time]; Senior Caseworker - Employment, Training and Education with St Giles Trust [£30,000, London - Camberwell or Holloway Road with regular travel across London, full time]; Service Administrator with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£21,000 - £24,000, London, full time]; Housing Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£26,000 - £32,000, London, part time]; Housing Floating Support Worker with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£27,000 - £31,999, London, full time]; Diversion Keyworker with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£22,000 - £27,000, Hampshire, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

About Clinks Light Lunch

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