A programme delivered by the AFC Fylde Community Foundation to stabilise the lives of ex-offenders through community mentoring has expanded to Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and Skelmersdale, after the successful intervention and rehabilitation of 70 offenders elsewhere in the region.
Launching this month, the programme will enable 29 new service users to benefit from The Foundation’s support, made possible by Cumbria and Lancashire Community Rehabilitation Company’s Innovation Fund.
The Positive Pathways programme will provide a period of intensive one to one support to improve the career prospects of individuals referred to the service from within the additional regions, for a minimum of 12 weeks.
The grant will enable The Foundation to provide a new phase of community outreach to medium risk to low risk offenders. It will also create roles for two new full time officers, based across Chorley, South Ribble and Skelmersalde.
Those on the programme will also be given the opportunity to achieve a personalised AQA Level 2 Accreditation of each individual’s choice, delivering a truly personalised approach to delivery.
Phil O’Donnell, director of Cumbria and Lancashire CRC, said: “We are already seeing successful outcomes from the participants attending the programme, with a number of them securing employment or training. We are delighted to support the expansion of the programme to enhance our work supporting individuals to change their lives for the better and contribute positively to the communities we serve.”
The AFC Fylde Community foundation first worked with the Lancashire Police & Crime Commissioner in December 2014 to devise its Positive Pathways programme, with 46 offenders placed back into employment by January this year.
Its success led to new investment from the Lancashire Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) and quality of life services company, Sodexo, in February, allowing The Foundation to reach a further 24 young adults in Blackpool and Fylde & Wyre.
Tom Hutton, director of community development at the AFC Fylde Community Foundation, said: “Our Positive Pathways programme has been successfully reintegrating offenders back into the community since December 2014 and we’re delighted to expand it further.
“The continued support from Sodexo will enable us to help a further 29 low and medium risk offenders to make a fresh start in life and improve their wellbeing, with access to support and advice from dedicated colleagues here at the Foundation.”
For more information on how to get involved with the AFC Community Foundation, please visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk, follow on Twitter @afcfct or call Tom Hutton on 07739 796 101.
