The Problem
20
average number of convictions a prisoner in England has.
47%
of prisoners say they have no qualifications at all.
13%
of prisoners have never had a job.
63%
of people sentenced to less than one year in prison re-offend within a year.
People caught up in the criminal justice system almost always faced disadvantages long before they reach prison. Having a decent job, secure accommodation, and a support network, significantly improves the likelihood of moving beyond offending and on to a better life.
What we are doing about it
We aim to break the cycle of reoffending by:
- Providing support and mentoring leading to employment
- Sourcing training and the opportunity to gain qualifications
- Re-building confidence
- Facilitating work experience
- Encouraging social inclusion
- Becoming a contributor to society rather than a dependent
Since 2012 the Oswin Project has supported ex-offenders in the Northeast of England, giving them a second chance by sourcing paid employment, volunteering opportunities, training and work experience.
How we work
We work closely with HM prisons, employers, and partners to maximise everyone’s potential. Most of our clients (known as Oswinners) reintegrate into communities around the Northeast. We do not follow a prescribed pathway but adopt a flexible approach in using activities and educational programmes to tailor our plans to the circumstances and needs of the individual. We facilitate employment and training, not as a short-term fix, but as a vehicle for independence and personal growth.
We offer support for employers who have previously not worked with ex-offenders. Our database of those willing to employ ex-offenders is steadily growing. Alongside a network of partner organisations, we work closely with HMP Northumberland and their resettlement team, Job Centre plus, Novus (who supply education in HMP Northumberland and other prisons) and the New Futures network to develop new opportunities.
We work with ‘Oswinners’ prior to and post-release helping them to turn away from crime. In doing so we place a wedge in the revolving door of re-offending. Mentoring is offered, goals are discussed and set, plans made, and encouragement is given. A route into employment is found, lives are rebuilt and transformed.
Our Partners
A Huge Thank You to Our Generous Funders and Supporters
The AB Charitable Trust
The Badur Foundation
The National Lottery
The Christopher Rowbotham Charitable Trust
The 1772 Charity
Finn Family Fund
The Finnis Scott Foundation
The Garfield Weston Trust
Greggs Foundation
The Hadrian Trust
High Sherriff of Northumberland
Hospital of God
The Joicey Trust
The Kerry Community First Endowment Fund*
The Hokey Cokey Fund*
The L G Harris Trust
The Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales
Newcastle Building Society*
North Steads & Sisters Wind Farm Community Fund*
Pattinson Estate Agents*
The Rothley Trust
RW Mann Trust
The Sir James Knott Trust
The Society of the Holy Child Jesus
Star Fund*
The Ashcroft Charitable Trust
The Barbour Foundation
The Souter Charitable Trust
The Worshipful Company of Grocers
The Tudor Trust
Warburtons Community Grants
The Watkin Family*
The Welch Family Fund*
*at the Community Foundation, Tyne and Wear Northumberland.
The many individuals who have made significant donations but wish to remain anonymous, the regular givers, the fund raisers’ and our volunteers who generously donate their time and enthusiasm.