Established in 2016, the programme was a partnership with St Giles Trust, assisting 20 young first-time offenders transition from life in prison to a productive life outside.
On 1st April 2019 Shaun Blackwood, who is a senior caseworker with the St Giles Trust, was appointed to lead the second phase of the Programme.
This phase builds on the success of the pilot phase. It gives clients access to our unique approach that includes pre-release prison contact and a three-stage support package thereafter.
While building on the success of the pilot, the Programme has been enhanced in a number of key ways:
- It has confirmed funding for a minimum of two years. This is twice as long as our pilot project and thereby provides greater financial certainty for caseworkers and clients.Further funding is being sought and obtained to cover beyond the initial two years
- Its aim is to support 40 clients in total over the initial two year period, double the number of clients on the pilot programme
- It will be available to clients who have a link to one of the following London Boroughs; Lambeth, Southwark, Kensington & Chelsea, Greenwich, Tower Hamlets or Westminster. This builds on the pilot Programme that was run clients who have a link to the Borough of Southwark
We sincerely thank Shaun for his commitment and drive in maintaining the momentum of the Programme.
Success stories
GW
GW is from Southwark and was involved in gang culture from his early teens. He became vulnerable due to overcrowding at home, his mother’s mental health issues and low income. He was involved in drug dealing, as well as other criminal activities. By the time he was referred to the JBVC Foundation, he was homeless and had a very low self-esteem. Our caseworker spent many hours working to gain his trust, as he did not have faith in the social care professionals and the establishments he had encountered. Eventually he began to trust in our caseworker and agreed to take the initial steps to receive the support the JBVC Foundation offers.
Accommodation was found for him and he began working on the action plan set out for his development. As he reached each milestone, GW gained confidence developing his belief that he could change his life. He gained a Construction Skills Certification Scheme Card, enabling him to work as a carpenter.
GW is now working full time in construction and has a positive outlook on life. He regularly calls our caseworker to update us on his progress and to thank us for the support.
SP
SP was referred to JBVC Foundation whilst serving a two-year custodial sentence for carrying a bladed article.
He was known to the police and had previously been in prison. When our caseworker met him in HMP Thameside he expressed interest in becoming an electrician, saying that he has had enough of his current lifestyle, wanted to make a change, but didn’t know where to start. Our caseworker met him when he was released and executed the action plan they had devised.
He is currently working for his GCSE Level Maths and English to enable him secure an electrician’s apprenticeship. Since working with the JBVC Foundation SP has not had any encounters with the criminal justice system and has completed his probation supervision.
TW
Prior to accepting the help of the JBVC Foundation TW was heavily involved in serious gang activity.
He had witnessed stabbings and even murder. His parents were very fearful for his life and were delighted when they learned of the involvement of the JBVC Foundation. So much so that his father would call our caseworker personally to commend him for the work that we are doing with his son and others like him. TW is keen to find permanent work, but on coming out of prison, initially believed he wouldn’t be successful. He has not found work yet, but is actively involved in ‘taster’ training programmes we have arranged to help him acclimatise to employment.
We are currently enrolling him for a Gas Installation Engineering apprenticeship. Unfortunately, this was hindered due to the Covid lockdown. He hopes to secure a placement in the near future. In the meantime he has been staying out of trouble and spends a lot of time at home with his family.
Names have been anonymised for privacy reasons
The second phase of programme
We are delighted to announce the continuation of the programme. The Programme seeks to help young people leave street gangs and develop sustainable careers.
On 1st April 2019. Shaun Blackwood, who is a senior caseworker with the St Giles Trust, was appointed to lead the second phase of the Programme. An interview with Shaun follows below.
This phase builds on the success of the pilot phase. It gives clients access to our unique approach that includes pre-release prison contact and a three stage support package thereafter. While building on the success of the pilot, the Programme has been enhanced in a number of key ways:
- It has confirmed funding for a minimum of two years. This is twice as long as our pilot project and thereby provides greater financial certainty for caseworkers and clients. Further funding is being sought and obtained to cover beyond the initial two years.
- Its aim is to support 40 clients in total over the initial two year period, double the number of clients on the pilot programme.
- It will be available to clients who have a link to one of the following London Boroughs; Lambeth, Southwark, Kensington & Chelsea, Greenwich, Tower Hamlets or Westminster. This builds on the pilot Programme that was run clients who have a link to the Borough of Southwark.