Here at Aspire we’re not fussed about your past – we just want to work with you in the present to help you build yourself a better future. We’ve been working with people who are in custody or have recently left prison for years, and we can give you the specialist support needed to find employment, training, work experience or education.
Our “Through the Prison Gate” project works to reduce re-offending across Oxfordshire and the wider Thames Valley by supporting prison leavers to build up their skills, training and confidence, find jobs and housing.
While you’re in custody, we can:
– Offer a pick-up service to collect you from the prison gate
– Meet you inside before your release to help you plan for the future
– Help you set in place a constructive, positive routine to put into practice on your release
Once engaging at Aspire, we will:
– Give you real work experience with local employers
– Give you tailored, one-to-one support to improve your employability
– Help you get qualifications and access training and cover your expenses
– Help you find paid employment opportunities and secure housing through our supported accommodation if needed
Suhail started his placement with Aspire’s enterprise team in December 2019 whilst in custody. With no housing support in place for Suhail when he was due to leave HMP Spring Hill, Aspire worked to acquire and cover the cost of temporary accommodation for Suhail while more secure housing plans and financial support could be arranged, preventing him from facing homelessness on his release from prison. Suhail is now living in supported housing in Oxford, and has worked with Aspire to find part-time work with a local company.
