Sodexo Justice

Reading is an essential skill that many prisoners in the UK never had a chance to develop. Our prisons are delivering a range of interventions to support individuals to improve their literacy levels, including English as a second language. In the Reading Room of HMP Peterborough’s female prison, 15 ladies from all nationalities and abilities support each other to improve their skills, celebrating success with cheers and certificates when milestones are reached. Julia didn’t speak English when she arrived in the prison, feeling scared and isolated. She has since completed the Shannon Trust reading books and now supports others, helping them learn and translating for them. Sarah is planning to read the same book as her partner so that they can discuss the story during social visits and on the phone, maintaining important links with her support network. Reading is a key skill that can help prison leavers to gain employment and lead a law-abiding life post-release.

At HMP Addiewell we were very proud to represent the very best of #Sodexo and our passion to deliver meaningful services and opportunities to those who live in our prisons, and those who join us as a team member. We should all grow and thrive in our professions and those we look after need to have space to do the very same. #Findingthegreatineveryone

When Brian started his sentence at HMP Addiewell, he reached out to the Employability team and asked for help regarding employment after release. Brian had seen adverts around the prison for our Starting Fresh programme and was interested in finding out more. He had a keen interest in Sodexo Energy & Resources and after a few 1-2-1 sessions with the Prison Employment Lead (PEL), it was apparent that Brian was ready to work and with the right help could be placed into employment. During the sessions the PEL and Brian created a CV, discussed any barriers that could prevent him on his journey to employment and introduced him to West Lothian Councils Supported Employment Service – their Unlocking Potential programme helps ex-offenders back to work after release from prison. In June, Brian had the opportunity to participate in a cooking trades test with Sodexo Energy & Resources when they came to visit prisoners at HMP Addiewell. A discussion and interview led to Brian being offered a full-time role within the Energy & Resources sector. This offer of employment is crucial for Brian, to find a sense of purpose and direction for his life beyond prison. A huge thank you to Jade D., Mark Poole and Kirsty Miller for their partnership working which has helped change a life. You can find out more about Starting Fresh here: https://lnkd.in/e4x7VQwA

Research published by the House of Commons Library (September 2023) highlights the proportion of prisoners aged 50 and over having gone from 10% of the prison population (2011) to 21% (2023).   Over 11% of the current population of HMP Forest Bank are over 50 years of age, prompting the recent introduction of a monthly over 50s activity morning, with inclusive activities including games, quizzes and bingo, along with the opportunity to discuss personal and health issues.   The group was suggested by prisoners who wanted to spend time with likeminded individuals away from the wing to enable social interaction.

Through our Starting Fresh programme, we are joining forces with Fair Chance Alliance as part of a working group, helping to provide employment opportunities for all. Are you ready to give someone a fair chance? Get in touch and see the calibre of talent across our prisons - people who are employment ready and looking for that fair chance of a positive future. Starting Fresh (sodexo.com)

With recovery top of the agenda, for the first time ever, HMP Addiewell took part in the 2024 Forth Valley Recovery Olympics. This special event is dedicated to attendees of Recovery and Support Centres, and offers a unique opportunity to engage in various sports and physical activities, celebrating the journey of recovery through a fun-filled sports day. Although the team have a little work to go to win the Olympics, it was fantastic to support a local community event and be part of the bigger picture of recovery within Scotland. Not only were we able to build partnerships and establish new connections, it was inspiring to meet a number of prison leavers who have continued on their recovery journey after prison. 

Supporting people in their recovery journey during their time at HMP Addiewell is at the heart of helping individuals to lead a positive future. Led by our Recovery and Addictions Manager, Kerryanne Clarke, the prison has introduced Prison Recovery Peers who play a key role in helping others with their recovery aspirations and onto the next stage of their journey. Although in the early stages, we want to make sure that everyone has access to a Prison Recovery Peer and receives the help and support they need.

Many industries are facing skills gaps and recruitment challenges. But have you ever considered employing a prison leaver? There's a vast source of work-ready people who would benefit from your support to continue their rehabilitative journey. From construction to catering, hairdressing to hospitality, prisons provide training that helps prison leavers change their course and have a happy, successful, law-abiding future. Visit https://lnkd.in/dTr5yWmX to find out more.

Pupils from Northfield Academy, Aberdeen, are set to benefit from a new community initiative driven by Sodexo’s Aberdeen-based Energy & Resources team and HMP Addiewell in West Lothian. Together we have donated 26 bikes, refurbished by prisoners, providing much-needed support to local students. You can read the full details about this positive initiative and the difference it will make here: https://lnkd.in/eAh27YRN A huge thank you to Tony Brady and Robert Taylor for making this possible.

Effective communications are crucial for prisoners to be successful on their rehabilitative journey, which is particularly challenging when English is not their primary language. The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme, delivered at HMP Forest Bank, is supporting prisoners to overcome this barrier and accelerate their access into vocational work. Developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills reduces prisoner isolation, improves employability skills and creates opportunities upon release. Find out more about Sodexo’s commitment to rehabilitation through education - https://lnkd.in/ed-rvFrm