Lottery boost for scheme to help ex-prisoners

The grant awarded by the Big Lottery Fund will help the South Yorkshire Victim Offender Mediation Service (Remedi) to reduce crime in Rotherham, Sheffield and Barnsley by working with persistent re-offenders on their release from custody.

The project will use mentors to work with offenders over a period of three to 12 months to support them in rebuilding their lives constructively. 

Mentors will meet with offenders on a regular basis and support them to deal with issues such as housing, drugs, education, accessing training, finances, employment and family relationships, to stabilise their lives and reduce the likelihood of re-offending.

The project will help individuals to find long-term accommodation and build links with family through mediation.

Mentors will accompany those they are supporting on first visits to appointments, and provide support to develop CVs, apply for courses and register with local health services.

Remedi director Steve Jones said: “We are absolutely delighted with the grant from the Big Lottery Fund. 

“The grant will enable Remedi to work with some of the most prolific offenders in South Yorkshire on release from custody. 

“Our evidence shows this will significantly reduce re-offending and reduce the number of local people who become the victims of crime.”

READ MORE

Business news

Win tickets for Doncaster Races.