Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 913 | 19 December 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

This is our final Light Lunch of 2025 (which means a slightly heavier Light Lunch than usual!). Our next Light Lunch will be 9 January.

We will be closing at 17:00 on 24 December 2025 and we will reopen on 2 January 2026. Thank you for all your support and engagement throughout 2025!

We are currently advertising for three new roles to join the Clinks team and help us support the voluntary sector working in criminal justice:

The Government’s new National Plan for Ending Homelessness, published last week, includes important recognition of the barriers faced by people leaving prison, committing to halve the number who become homeless on their first night after release. Clinks members have responded, including: Fresh Start Futures Enterprise, Phoenix Futures and Revolving Doors. 

Our latest blog explores what the Plan means for ending homelessness among people leaving prison, and what must happen next. Read our blog here

Our quarterly women’s networking forum [20 January | 10:00 - 12:00 | online | free], hosted in partnership with the Agenda Alliance, provides support, information and networking opportunities to those working with women in contact with the criminal justice system. This forum will include a focus on the issue of race and justice for women. Book here

Members are being invited to join us for Clinks' Annual Conference [28 January | 09:30 - 16:00 | London | from £60]. To showcase the breadth of work across our membership, we are also welcoming leaflets, posters, and other materials from member organisations to be displayed and distributed by our team on the day. Book now

To accompany a new evidence review by Dr Tom McNeil (The JABBS Foundation for Women and Girls), this event [3 February | 12:00 - 13:00 | online | free] will explore what the academic evidence tells us about how voluntary sector organisations can meaningfully influence public opinion on crime and build support for prevention, rehabilitation and justice reform. Book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Rainfall Foundation

"Prison leavers need consistent, personalised support to make profound changes. Tailored support that addresses their unique needs and circumstances can help them overcome the barriers they face and build a stable, rewarding life. The Rainfall Foundation does this and more. By providing comprehensive and sustainable support, we empower them to make lasting positive changes." Find out more

From January 2026 RIFT Social Enterprise's accredited self-employment workbook, which was co-created with people in prison and designed to be completed without the need for additional support, will be available in every prison in England and Wales via the Virtual Campus 2 (VC2) system for a small annual licence fee. Find out more

Changing Lives welcomes the Government’s decision to explore alternatives to a blanket ban on adult service websites, as discussed in the recent parliamentary debate on the Crime and Policing Bill. Read here

Actor Tom Blyth spoke to The Times about Switchback’s involvement in the upcoming prison thriller WASTEMAN, with trainees consulted across script, costume, props, and acting to ensure an authentic portrayal of the British prison system and the young men affected. Read here

Lancashire Women have officially opened the doors of its new Burnley Centre, welcoming visitors to explore the space, learn about the organisation’s plans, and enjoy festive drinks and nibbles. Read more

Change for Good are celebrating the festive season with their new Christmas song with support from Finding Rhythms, bringing their vision to life in a fun and creative day. Listen here

On 13 December, The Wallich marked Welsh Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those lost to substance use and highlighting the urgent need to support affected individuals. Find out more

The JABBS Foundation for Women & Girls, in partnership with the Henry Smith Foundation, is launching the next phase of the Effective Women’s Centres Partnership with the Women’s Risk Needs Assessment (WRNA) Expansion Programme. Find out more

The Bell Foundation, in partnership with Pact, is helping people in prison who speak English as an additional language access vital education and support through the Building Bridges project. In a recent interview, a Polish-speaking inmate reflects on how the project helped him overcome language barriers, understand the prison system, complete a family court application, and maintain connections with his son, highlighting the life-changing impact of accessible, language-sensitive support in prison. Read here

The Care Leavers' Association annual Christmas Day Zoom [25 December | 19:00 - 21:00 | online | free] will feature a relaxed and friendly Christmas quiz, with a mix of festive and general knowledge questions. Find out more

The GoodTech Justice AI Hackathon [15 - 16 January | London | free], in collaboration with Catch22, will bring together people with deep experience of the justice system including frontline staff, service users, practitioners, researchers, and community organisations, with technologists, designers, and venture builders. Over two days, participants will work side-by-side to turn real frontline insight into responsible AI tools that make justice fairer, more accessible, and more human. Find out more

Cranstoun are hosting a conference [23 April | 9:00 - 17:00 | Worcester | £75 early bird] for professionals, focusing on the voice of the child and understanding positive criminal justice interventions. Book here

YouTurn Futures have announced a new one-day training programme, ‘The Impact of Criminal Exploitation’ developed by Steve Diedrick and Lisa Robinson, has received CPD accreditation. Find out more

Society Matters' CPD-accredited course [multiple dates | online | £79+VAT] provides a comprehensive introduction to the UK Government’s Access to Work scheme, which helps people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to start or stay in employment. The course explains eligibility, the application and assessment process, and the types of support available, including funding for adjustments, specialist equipment, and mental health support. Find out more

Restorative Justice Council's Annual Restorative Practice CPD Symposium [12 - 16 January | online | £209] will cover a diverse range of topics relevant to those involved in restorative work across a variety of settings. Find out more

Respect UK's course [13 & 22 January | online | £95+VAT] is for professionals working with young people in Merseyside and will provide an overview of CAPVA, support you in beginning to understand the complexities of CAPVA, who it affects and why this may be happening in some families. Find out more

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Urgent Notification at HMP Swaleside

HMI Prisons has invoked an Urgent Notification (UN) for HMP Swaleside. Read here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Government publish VAWG Strategy 

The government has unveiled a new VAWG strategy to protect children and tackle harmful misogynistic attitudes early. Schools will teach healthy relationships, teachers will receive specialist training, and a new helpline will support young people concerned about their behaviour. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to "halve violence against women and girls over the next decade", aiming to "stop harm before it starts". Find out more

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENT: How can I contribute to a better world without further fracturing society?

The Mint House and the Sheila McKechnie Foundation are hosting an online event on [12 January | 12:00 - 13:30 | online | free / pay as you are able] exploring how restorative approaches can support campaigning in an increasingly polarised context. Speakers include Katie Roberts on the challenges of polarisation, Pete Wallis on restorative practice principles, and Becks Sutton sharing lived experience of using listening exchanges to facilitate dialogue on the Oxford LTN issue. Find out more 

FUNDING: The Forrester Family Trust

The Forrester Family Trust have small grants available for registered charities in England and Wales with an annual turnover of less than £250k. These grants are for initiatives that address the rehabilitation of people in prison and those who have been formally in prison. Deadline for applications is [31 December 2025]. Apply here

PUBLICATION: Safe Accommodation for Women Leaving Prison

Brighton Women’s Centre published a new feasibility study, Safe Accommodation for Women Leaving Prison: Feasibility Study, demonstrating the urgent need for safe, supportive transitional housing for women leaving prison. Read here 

PUBLICATION: Right To Be Forgotten - Rehabilitation In The Digital Age

Unlock’s latest briefing highlights that fifty years after the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act promised second chances, the digital age has made that promise increasingly fragile. With search engines, news archives, and social media, spent convictions can remain visible indefinitely, undermining rehabilitation and perpetuating stigma. Read here

OPPORTUNITY: Call For Papers - Probation

The BSC Probation and Community Justice Network, in partnership with De Montfort University have announced its next annual conference [22 April | De Montfort University]. Find out more

OPPORTUNITY: YABA Powerlist

Yorkshire Asian Business Association's 'Ethnic Minority Powerlist' is back in 2026, celebrating individuals making a significant impact in the North of England. Find out more

Unlock is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to guide our committed board and support our Chief Executive in shaping strategy, governance, and impact [voluntary | part-time | remote]. Bring your leadership experience to a dynamic charity driving systemic change. Unlock works alongside people facing barriers due to criminal records, influencing policy and creating practical solutions that make a real difference. You’ll provide inclusive leadership, ensure effective decision-making, and champion our mission. If you have senior-level experience, strong leadership qualities, and a passion for social justice, we’d love to hear from you. Charity sector experience is helpful but not essential. Join us in leading a small charity with national influence. Find out more and apply by 4 January 2026 here

Family Support Worker, Prisoner Family Services – Ormiston Families [£22,932, HMP Norwich, part time]; Housing Support Worker - Social Interest Group [£27,000, Brent, full time]; Support Worker - Alana House, Parents and Children Together [£25,735–£31,453, Oxfordshire, part time]; Support Worker - Alana House, Parents and Children Together [£25,735–£31,453, Oxfordshire, full time]; Support Worker - Alana House, Parents and Children Together [£25,735–£31,453, Reading, part time]; Prison Facilitator - Shannon Trust [£28,274, Lichfield, part time]; Reading Support Strategy Lead, Shannon Trust [£28,274, Leyland, part time]; Senior Artistic Producer - Vox Liminis [£35,000–£42,000, Glasgow, full time]; Deputy Service Manager - Social Interest Group [£31,700, Wembley, full time].

For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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