Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 430 | 18th March 2016

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In this week's edition....

CLINKS REQUEST: do you support people in prison?

Do you provide employment support to people in prison? Do you give advice to people in prison about benefit payments and how to access them? Do you provide housing support? If so, we want you hear from you! Clinks is responding to the Work and Pensions Committee inquiry into benefits and employment support available to people when they leave prison and would like to hear from you so we can reflect your work and views in our response. If you have any examples of good practice or case studies from your work or have other resources to inform Clinks’ consultation response, please email Nicola Drinkwater by Tuesday 29th March.

CLINKS CASE STUDY: female survivors of domestic abuse

Our latest case study focuses on the Angelou Centre, a Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) women’s centre in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England that supports survivors of domestic abuse. They are one of only a few similar centres across the United Kingdom providing a holistic service to women from a range of ethnicities. In this case study, we see that BAME women are some of the most vulnerable victims of abuse and violence and at the same time they experience multiple barriers to services which are meant to help and support them. The Angelou Centre provides a range of culturally appropriate services, which are informed by the barriers of race and gender that BAME women face in accessing services. These services, discussed here, are able to target those victims of abuse who need their support the most. Download the case study here

CLINKS NEWS: from our European volunteering project

Justice Involving Volunteers in Europe (JIVE) project’s latest newsletter has been published. Highlights include a review of the project’s final conference in Bucharest, Romania; an update on the pilot of the JIVE training programme in Portugal; a prison radio initiative in Hungary; and financial capability training for (ex) offenders in Birmingham. The next and final project newsletter will be disseminated at the end of March and will provide a summary of the project's achievements over the past two years. Download the newsletter here

CLINKS GUEST BLOG: service user involvement is vital

In our latest guest blog, Joe Martin, a member of Revolving Doors’ National Service User Forum, talks about why service user involvement is so important, and what is needed to get it right. Joe contributed to the recent update of Clinks’ Guide to Service User Involvement, along with other Revolving Doors Agency staff and Forum members. Joe said: "Developing good service user involvement within a project requires thought, planning, implementation, evaluation, integration of learning and shifts in power and ownership; not an easy task when nobody is clear where we are going and what it might achieve! That’s why the guide is packed with tools and resources. I think it will reassure those starting out." Read the full article here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: a women-centred approach

WomenCentre's Clare Jones has written a blog, 'Transforming services the 'women centred' way' which asks "Could doing things in a 'women centred' way help improve outcomes for women and families with complex needs without busting local authorities' budgets? With events around the world to celebrate International Women's Day, councils might take a moment to consider this question." Read Clare's article here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: London office space to rent

Centre for Crime and Justice Studies are advertising a first floor, self-contained, open plan, air-conditioned office space for rent, with use of communal kitchen and toilet facilities and a heavily discounted rate for use of the meeting room. The space, in Vauxhall, London (SW8 1GB) is 689 square feet (64 sqm) and costs £27,696 per annum on a 5 year lease. Find out more and enquire here

AWARD: Welsh volunteer of the year

The Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards have recognised and rewarded groups and individuals in Wales who have made an outstanding contribution to their community. Categories include Adult (25 years and over), Young volunteer (under 25 years), ‘Green’ volunteer (individual of any age who volunteers with an environmental organisation or project), Trustee, Groups (two or more individuals, whether as an informal group or a formally constituted organisation), and International (for individuals who have volunteered with international partners/organisations in Wales). Nominees must live in Wales, or undertake their volunteering work in Wales. Nominated groups must be based in Wales. The deadline for nominations is 15th April 2016, find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: impact measurement

'Impact Measurement in the justice sector and beyond: Approaches and latest developments' is an Academy for Justice Commissioning evening seminar [13th April, London, free] featuring Stephen Morris from NatCen Social Research and James Noble from New Philanthropy Capital (NPC). Stephen and James will discuss the overall purpose of evaluation and measuring impact and look at perspectives and challenges around different models and approaches. They will also explore which evaluation approaches are appropriate given resource constraints, the stages of programme maturity and what different types of data / information can tell us. Finally they will consider how commissioners and funders could think about impact measurement to help improve services. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: military veterans under probation supervision

The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (CCJS) is running discussion events on 'How are the needs of Armed Forces veterans under probation supervision being met?' [19th April, Bristol]. CCJS is helping to inform an emerging network of support for Armed Forces veterans under probation supervision. These events will help them collect an informed and accurate picture of current practices regarding military veterans who are subject to probation supervision in England and Wales. The events will engage a range of stakeholders, provide opportunities for attendees to contribute to the national profile of needs and services, and for education and networking in this area which has risen in prominence since the recommendations of the Phillips Review. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: become a poet

To coincide with the Wandsworth Fringe Festival and the 21st Birthday celebrations, Safe Ground will be hosting a weekend [14th & 15th May, London, from £5] of poetry workshops, performances and a criminal justice themed treasure trail. Safe Ground said: "Poetry is so easy. So simple in fact, we will make you a poet in 45 minutes. Using your senses, scenarios, scripts and sounds you will be rhyming and performing aloud in no time." Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: developing positive life skills

Reflex's myLife Programme Tutor Training [30th March, Hinckley, free] is designed to empower young people and young adults to develop positive character and life skills. Incorporating topics such as managing emotions, independent living, relationships and money management, myLife can be delivered flexibly to individuals and groups and can culminate in recognised accreditations. The training is free as part of a 12 month subscription which includes other benefits such as further training courses and helpful resources. For more information, sample sessions and to book on the training visit the myLife website

NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS & TRAINING

  • 'Launch of Report on Unrepresented Defendants in The Criminal Courts' | 26th April, London | Details

PUBLICATION: on prison reform

A new Probation Institute paper on ‘Prison Reform’ has been published setting out some of the benefits and drawbacks in the government’s recently announced prison reforms. The report states that prison reform, including governor autonomy and regimes focussed on rehabilitation, can make a contribution to a wider strategy to reduce re-offending. However, without this wider strategy – one that reduces the numbers in prison and re-invests in the resources thus released in community-based sanctions and preventative measures – the effect is likely to be minimal and any reductions achieved unlikely to be sustainable. Download the paper here

PUBLICATION: prison education

The think tank CentreForum has published a paper on prison education analysing the problems of the current system of prison education, and considering options to address these. The report finds that: "Education has an important role to play in rehabilitating prisoners, both in terms of its transformational personal effects and in providing offenders with the skills and qualifications they need to enter the job market on release. The key focus, however, should be on the delivery of skills for meaningful employment. To deliver this, a clearer system of entitlements is required, with effective outcome targets and robust accountability measures to ensure the provision of high quality education." Download the report here

PUBLICATION: video from prisons inspector

Professor Nick Hardwick, outgoing Inspector of Prisons, gave a lecture recently entitled ''Rehabilitation Revolution?' Are our prisons fit for the challenge?'. You can view the 1hr 15min video here

PUBLICATION: Muslim women in prison

Muslim Hands has produced 'Muslim Women in Prison'; a study into the needs and experiences of Muslim women at HMP & YOI New Hall and Askham Grange prisons during custody and post release. It is based on a caseload of 17 Muslim women, detailing their experiences during and post prison release. The report contains case studies, testimonies, observations and demonstrations of the practical support provided. The report aims to enhance understanding of the issues and barriers facing Muslim women in custody so that providers will be more informed to take into consideration the needs of this specific group. There are gaps in the way facilities, services and rehabilitation programmes are structured which discourage female Muslim inmates from accessing support available. Download the report here

RESOURCE: measuring effectiveness of young people's services

Two new briefings from Beyond Youth Custody focus on measuring effectiveness specifically for stakeholders involved in the resettlement of young people. 'Proving effectiveness in resettlement' explores reasons why it is important to prove effectiveness, considers some of the challenges involved, and comments on some of the different ways of measuring service effectiveness. 'Resettlement work with young people: using individual case studies to assess costs and benefits' provides an in-depth look at how case studies can be used to demonstrate the costs and benefits of resettlement work with young custody-leavers. Download both briefings here

RESOURCE: how to set up a court-based advice service

Centre for Justice Innovation has launched a new toolkit for magistrates, judges, court staff and other practitioners on how to set up advice services at court. Many of the people who come through magistrates’ courts commit low-level offences such as drunk and disorderly conduct. Advice and support services predominantly target these offenders, and work with them to identify and tackle their problems in order to reduce the likelihood of their returning to court. The toolkit contains step-by-step guidance on how to set up, deliver and evaluate the impact of an advice and support service in your area. It also includes practical resources that can be used as templates by practitioners designing and delivering similar services. Find out more and download the guide here

RESOURCE: new website for supporting young adults

A new website for Transition to Adulthood (T2A) has been launched. Designed to give the user a clear understanding of the T2A model and programme, it also provides easy access to the evidence which has been built up around young adults and maturity, along with films, information and evaluation about T2A demonstration pilots. The new site is also mobile friendly and can be easily viewed and navigated on all devices. Find out more here

OPPORTUNITY: developing leaders

The Cross Sector Leadership Exchange (CSLE) CIC brings together as its Strategic Partners, a group of like-minded professional leaders, who are responsible for the development of existing, future and aspiring leaders within their organisations and provides an environment that facilitates the development of middle, senior and strategic/executive leaders. Find out more and get involved here

CONSULTATION: have your say on the future of policing

Do you have relevant expertise and experience or an interest in the Policing and Crime Bill which is currently passing through Parliament? If so, you can submit your views in writing to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee which is going to consider this Bill. Some of the proposed changes form part of the Government’s manifesto commitment to develop the role of Police and Crime Commissioners. Others are part of the Government’s response to concerns in recent years about police integrity. Other changes to police powers are in response to more specific concerns – for example detention of people suffering mental health crises, and the length of time people can be held on police bail before they are charged. The Bill also covers areas as diverse as firearms control; alcohol licensing; enforcement of United Nations and EU sanctions; and child sexual exploitation. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Job vacancies this week include: A Victim Centred Policy and Campaigns Officer and Board Member with Why Me? UK [London], a Resettlement Coordinator with PACT [London], a Homelife Housing Officer with Changing Lives [Newcastle], a Director of Funding and Marketing with Spark Inside [London], a Musician in Residence with The Irene Taylor Trust [HMP Spring Hill], a Project Worker with Hibiscus Initiatives [London], a Bike Mechanic with the Margaret Carey Foundation [Manchester], a Substance Misuse Support Worker with EDP Drugs & Alcohol Service [HMP Dartmoor], and an Information Resources Administrator and Resettlement Officers with Safer Wales Ltd [Eastwood Park Prison, Styal Prison]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: Get 20% off railcards, including Two Together, Family & Friends, Senior, and 16-25 using the code 'SAVE20'. Details
  • Tip of the week II: Get 40% off main course Sunday to Friday at Prezzo when you sign up. Details
  • Tip of the week III: Get a half price stay at The Mill Hotel in Sudbury. For £99 two people can stay overnight, including two course dinner and cream tea. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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