Case studies part 1

‘Routes2Roots’

Sadie Tutton, Implementation ManagerIMPACT, Ascend

What is IMPACT?

• Action research programme in prisons and the community in the North West of England

• Focus on reducing re-offending through promoting employability

• Identifying models of good practice and letting people know

• PARTNERSHIP – innovative ways of working and sharing expertise

• Funded by ESF EQUAL• Finish in December 2007

IMPACT’s Research Groups

• ASSET – Working with women, men aged 50+ and young people aged 16-21

• ASCEND – Working with Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) ex-offenders

• CHANGING DIRECTIONS – Working with sex offenders and those posing a risk to children

All these groups are doubly disadvantaged in the labour market and have specific

barriers to employment; impacting on their prospects for effective resettlement.

• The last six years have seen the steepest ever climb in the numbers of Black prisoners entering the Criminal Justice System. Imprisonment is becoming a defining experience for some minority ethnic groups.

• Black prisoners account for 12% of the prison population compared with 2% of the general population (Ministry of Justice, 2007)

• The acknowledgement of Institutional Racism• 25% of the current prison population in England and

Wales are from BME groups (Home Office statistics, 2004/2005)

• Needs analysis at HMP’s Garth, Risley & Buckley Hall• Review of Best Practice

Why provide a course for black offenders?

1) To enable BME ex-offenders to explore their cultural identity and to raise their self-esteem

2) To empower BME ex-offenders by tackling issues of racism and addressing internalised discrimination

3) To create a safe environment for BME ex-offenders: to enable them to speak openly and honestly

Aims of the course

• Ten two hour sessions involving the sharing of various cultures, historical learning & personal experiences

• Black history• The impact of thoughts, feelings & behaviour

on internalised racist attitudes• Positive Influences/Role Models/Stereotypes• Race Relations (PSO 2800)• Family Relationships• Sentence Planning/Signposting• OCN Validation

Course features

• Utilises community-based facilitators from diverse backgrounds and is based on the concept of ‘interculturalism’

• Men experience a positive group culture that promotes self-responsibility and a positive self-identity

• Men learn through their interaction with group members, from external input and pro-social modelling via use of external facilitators

• Men develop knowledge, negotiation and decision-making techniques

• Men develop behavioural skills in order to better manage their general relationships

What makes the programme unique?

• A greater understanding of relationships and social networks

• A better comprehension of black History, black achievements and identity

• Increased self-esteem, self-belief and confidence• Improved communication skills – able to express

opinions in a much more productive way to avoid conflict

• Smoother progression through the system• Heightened employment prospects• Greater understanding of other cultural groups and

religions as well as their own• Greater understanding of race relations within the

prison setting

Feedback

“I recently took part in the Routes2Roots course and I thought it was one of the most

useful courses I have done in custody. It helped me realise what I exactly want and the

kind of things which come in the way of my goals”

(BME Prisoner, HMP Buckley Hall)

“I’ve gained a lot from the course, from black history to lifestyle changes, it was hugely

beneficial” (BME Prisoner, HMP Buckley Hall)

Current work

• Three courses run at HMP Buckley Hall• Further trials set to take place at HMP Garth

October ‘07 & HMP Everthorpe early Spring• Transferability into the community• Mainstreaming• Equality Impact Assessment• Evaluation

POPSDiane Curry (OBE), DirectorValentine House1079 Rochdale RdBlackley, Manchester, M9 8AJT/F: 0161 702 1000E: mail@partnersforprisoners.co.uk W: www.partnersforprisoners.co.uk

Contact UsContact UsIMPACTLorna Edmondson, Co-ordinating ManagerOakwood HouseYew Tree Court, RisleyWarrington, WA3 6BLT: 01925 282262E: lorna.edmondson@hmps.gsi.gov.ukW: www.equal-impact.com

IMPACTSadie Tutton,Implementation ManagerOakwood HouseYew Tree Court, RisleyWarrington, WA3 6BLT: 01925 282265E: sadie.tutton@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

Contact us