New scheme launched to help criminals in Southport change their lives

July 12 2011 by Andrew Brown, Formby Times

A NEW informal mentoring project will help to improve the rehabilitation prospects of ex-offenders living in Sefton.

Waterloo-based Sefton CVS is heading a pilot initiative which is being funded – initially for one year – by the National Offender Manage- -ment Service and Clinks, an organisation that helps local voluntary and community groups to get involved in the criminal justice system.

The aim of the scheme is to offer mentoring support to improve the links between offenders leaving custody and the community. This is seen as a key factor in helping offenders change their lives for the better.

The focus will be on building positive relationships with ex-offenders, providing support which reflects their individual needs and opportunities which will prevent them re-offending.

Sefton CVS will work in partnership with HMP Liverpool, Merseyside Probation, Merseyside Police, Sefton Council, Liverpool City Council and other public sector organisations and voluntary, community and faith sector groups.

Many representatives of these organisations attended the recent launch of the project, which is expected to work with 200-300 ex-offenders over the next 12 months.

Sefton CVS Civil Society Lead, Neil Frackelton, said: “Sefton CVS has a wealth of experience in delivering mentoring projects like this, and we are passionate about the significant contribution mentoring can make to improving the lives of individuals.

“I believe this pilot project has an important contribution to make in terms of helping offenders with their rehabilitation and, by keeping them away from crime, improving the quality of life in the wider community.”


What are your thoughts on this scheme? Do you offer offender through the gate mentoring services? Can you share best practice, useful tips, or innovative approaches?