I have worked with female/male offenders for over sixteen years, supporting people leaving prisons and settling in the North West. Manage and supervise staff and volunteers. Establish and maintain working relationships with relevant agencies throughout the Northwest including; Faith communities, Revolution, Health services, Social services, Accommodation providers, CRC’s National Probation, Prison services particularly those that provide support with issues of addictions, mental health and homelessness. Research further the needs of people completing custodial sentences and explore effective strategies to reduce re-offending thereby contributing to the wider search for appropriate services in the resettlement of offenders.Respond to referrals from prisons, CRC’s, National Probation Service, Revolution etc… Monitor, evaluate and report on the development of the project to senior management in order to inform research and refine strategies to reduce re-offending. Propose policy and practice guidelines that contribute to the effective management of the project. Devise and implement appropriate recording, monitoring and evaluation systems that contribute to the development of the project and provide evidence of its effectiveness. Research and participate in further funding, and regularly chair meetings.I have immense experience addressing issues which put individuals at risk of re-offending, such as; addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, restricted employment, lack of voluntary and training opportunities.

Suitability Panel University of Central Lancashire - I assist in the decision making with reference to the suitability of individuals wishing to study in the field of Social Work.

I am a ‘Professional Counsellor’ and practice in both the ‘Person Centred Model’ and use the ‘Integrative Approach’ which is a combination of; Cognitive, Person Centre, Psychodynamic. I work on a voluntary basis for ‘Marriage Care’ as a ‘Relationship Counsellor’.

I was employed by Board of Social Responsibility Blackburn on a Home Office Initiative called Grassroots HMP Family Days and Support Project working in partnership with those employed to support the resettlement of offenders and their families with all issues relating with; housing, finance, debt, drugs, alcohol, all addictions which included gambling. Support was provided to those people who suffered the effects of; domestic abuse/violence, including the impact this had on the children. Further support was provided to help the whole family with the consequences of a family member serving a prison sentence. The work included; Family Days within HMP Preston, Lancaster Castle, HMP Kirkham, and HMP Wymott. Intensive work was provided to the prisoner whilst serving his sentence, and support was provided to the prisoner’s family (partner, children and parents) on the outside. When the prisoner was released, the support/work continued with all those involved.

I worked for MBW supporting offenders/ex-offenders (all risk classifications were included; high, med, and low to the community, to self and others. (Support was also provided to those individuals classed as vulnerable). Issues addressed included; homelessness, addictions - alcohol/drugs. I worked with prisoners being released from; HMP Garth, Wymott, Preston, Lancaster Castle, Kirkham and those in the community referred by the Probation service or Hostels. My duties include assisting clients with all homelessness/ housing problems, finding suitable assistance for those with alcohol/drug related problems, locating and arranging appropriate training courses, volunteer opportunities, education and ultimately helping them to gain employment.