HOPE Programme
Support Type:
Need supported:
- Employability / Training / Career
- Life Skills
- Re-integration
- Short-term Prisoners
Aim/Purpose:
CFINE established the HOPE Programme in 2021 with the aim of supporting prisoners being released from HMP Grampian. In partnership with the prison and key organisations, a pre-release programme helps individuals prepare for release with guidance on topics such as benefits, housing and employability. Post-release, participants are invited to attend CFINE to join sessions that take place across the week. The workshops continue themes from the pre-release programme, offer a safe space to talk about challenges being faced, and include activities that promote wellbeing. A tailored employability course, mentoring scheme and community service opportunities are also available. HOPE participants are able to access broader wrap around services at CFINE including counselling, the Pantry, warehouse skills and cookery courses, and financial advice.
Suitability criteria:
- All genders
- Middle-aged adult (36-55), Older adult (56 and older), Young adult (18-35)
Exclusions:
Walk-ins and referrals will need to be assessed on a case by case basis. CFINE works with a large number of beneficiaries and volunteers, some of which are themselves quite vulnerable, and as such we cannot accommodate all individuals with justice experience.
Assessment/referral process:
- Any agency
Referral forms are available for HOPE and specifically the employability programme. Usually an initial visit is set up to ascertain how HOPE may be able to support, and if the potential beneficiary is interested in engaging with the activities on offer.