Thirteen builds on its services to support ex-offenders settle into society [Archived]

The new Future Steps service, which will provide holistic, person-centred support will give people the best opportunity possible to lead stable and settled lives long term.

The service will tailor support to individual needs, with the aim of building independence to ensure they are able to manage their home. Support provided will include finding and maintaining a home, helping to source furniture, money management, building digital skills and accessing training, volunteering and employment opportunities. 

Karen Kenmare, Head of Business Growth at Thirteen, said: “This new partnership and service is a really exciting step in our support offer to ex-offenders who are rebuilding their lives. The combined skills of Thirteen, The Wise Group and A Way Out means we can provide person-centric support that is focused on the individual’s needs as they reclaim their independence.”

The new service, which is funded by ARCC (Achieving Real Change in Communities) builds on an existing partnership with The Wise Group, a leading social enterprise organisation which works to lift people out of poverty. It also heralds the start of an exciting partnership with Stockton-based charity A Way Out, which works to empower and equip vulnerable and excluded women, families and young people to live lives free from harm.

Susan Willoughby, Operations Manager at A Way Out, said: “A Way Out’s strong relationship with Thirteen, The Wise Group and key stakeholders within the criminal justice system empowers and assists our clients, enabling them to engage with services to support a crime-free lifestyle. Suitable accommodation is key to staying healthy and is a base for engaging in training and employment opportunities and contributing to and being part of the wider community.”

Thirteen and The Wise Group already work together to help ex-offenders across the North East to find the right accommodation and access the right advice and support, and this new service builds on the great work already being done.

Ross Stoker, Project Lead at The Wise Group, said: “We are very pleased to once again be partnering with Thirteen Group on another exciting contract, working with this customer base is always very rewarding and being able to offer a holistic wraparound service will support real change in customers lives. We hope the Future Steps contract is a platform to showcase the great work our partnership can deliver within the criminal justice setting.”

Councillor Barry Hunt, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing, said: “It is important that this kind of good work is done with people at risk of offending, or reoffending so they can move on to have productive, settled lives and it also helps prevent more victims of crime in future and I wish everyone involved success.”