Thursday 4th July saw the launch of New Life Ambassadors for Change, a pilot project which aims to improve the life chances of recently released ex-offenders in Norwich. Working in partnership with the High Sheriff of Norfolk Lady Clare Agnew, Charles Watt, former High Sheriff of Norfolk, together with Norfolk Community Foundation, Norwich Prison and the Department for Work and Pensions, will pilot a series of innovative projects aiming to plug the gaps for vulnerable prisoners when they re-enter society. Currently there is relatively little support available for ex-offenders when they leave prison, and those most determined not to re-offend, deemed low risk, are often those who receive the least support on their release. Charles Watt has been successful in securing funding to help enable vulnerable ex-offenders to be securely housed and supported throughout their first year after release, helping them to turn their lives around. The series of pilot projects will examine how best to support them, offering vocational training, introducing potential employers and increasingly secure employment prior to leaving custody, helping ex-offenders make a positive contribution to society. Norfolk Community Foundation is working with Charles to create essential funding to plug these gaps and closely measuring and monitoring results of the pilot projects to ensure that they are making the most impact, helping to remove the constant obstacles that ex-offenders face. Find out more
