Salford UCRC

Salford Prison Project

Recent estimates indicate that the prison population is spiralling out of control, with staggering costs incurred on a daily basis. In particular, short-term offenders, i.e. those serving sentences of 12 months or less, are reported to be responsible for the majority of crime committed and whilst their offences are largely acquisitive in nature, the level of social harm and misery that they transmit is quite unprecedented. They are also, overwhelmingly, drawn from some of the poorest areas within Britain such as Salford and report a series of recognised social problems. In addition, it can be said that they have the highest resettlement needs which until recently have largely been ignored.

The aim of the Project is to support offenders who do not normally receive statutory supervision from the Probation Service but have high rates of reconviction. Eligibility is dependent on serving a sentence in HMP Manchester and offences are largely drug related acquisitive crimes.

In addition, offenders must: (1) be serving less than 11 months and not on licence, (2) have served three or more custodial sentences (average is usually 10), (3) have a high risk of reconviction but low risk factors in that they do not pose a danger to the public or themselves.

Offenders who have been suitably risk assessed by the Probation Service within HMP Manchester and meet this criterion are then approached by a nominated prison officer. Individuals who agree initially to participate in the programme then meet with the project supervisor to discuss how best the project can meet their needs.

Attendance is voluntary with “a level of wanting to change to come on the project” and whilst in HMP Manchester no additional incentive is offered to offenders.

The project is designed to work towards the seven pathways identified in the National Reducing Re-offending Plan: Accommodation, Education, training and employment; Health; Drugs and Alcohol; Finance Benefit and Debt; Children and Families; Attitudes.

Testimonies:-

Participant M:- “I’ve got someone there who can help me out with forms – anything that I need – any problems – I can turn to Steve – where before I couldn’t turn to anybody, I’d just keep it bottled up and cope with it - where now I’m letting it out”.

Participant J:-“He’s always there – you know - like’s he’s just said – someone talk to and stuff you don’t know about and things like that”.

Participant R:-
I came into this project with my eyes wide open, not expecting much; in fact I didn’t expect anything. But as time has gone on and I have got more and more out of it – when I sit back it doesn’t seem like I’ve done a lot but I have . Staying out of prison for 6/7/8 months however long it is – big, big achievement for me not using drugs sticking to my script is a big, big achievement for me”.

But it is also the case that involvement in the project has given R the confidence to re-establish contact with his daughter and rebuild a relationship with his parents, who he has now moved back in with.

For more information about the Prison Project please contact our dedicated officer at the centre.

Salford UCRC

Unemployed & Community Resource Centre

Salford Prison Project