Fri 03 Mar, 2016

Helping prisoners into employment

The Prison Radio Association has partnered with the National Careers Service to launch a six-month on-air campaign dedicated to helping prisoners find employment after release.

Finding a job after prison can be key in reducing re-offending, but for many inside it is a daunting challenge. While some prisoners lack experience in the workplace, more often the biggest challenge is a shortage of belief that it is even possible.

The campaign has three key aims: inspiring prisoners to start preparing for their future careers; informing them how to do so; and explaining the services offered by the National Careers Service in prisons across the country.

National Prison Radio is broadcasting two weekly shows which will help prisoners to prepare for work while they’re still inside.

Past, Present & Future features an interview each week with an inspirational figure who shares their journey into work. Contributors include the BBC 6Music presenter Mary Anne Hobbs, the Editor of Big Issue North Kevin Gopal, as well as former prisoners who are successfully forging careers in the fitness and catering industries.

Alongside this, Work It is a magazine show which provides solid advice for those looking for employment, pointing prisoners in the right direction for support, guidance and training provided by the National Careers Service and other agencies working in prisons. Listeners also hear directly from National Careers Service advisers, as well as employers who have good records of hiring ex-offenders.