Funded by West Midlands Next Steps (Test Bed), and led by the New Hope Mentoring Programme (NHMP), the BRMF is piloting a co-ordinated mentoring referrals service for recently released prisons working in and around the Birmingham area.
Aims include ensuring that clients requiring mentoring services are allocated an appropriate mentor from one of the BRMF’s signatory agencies
As Wider Impact Consultancy Director Edwin Lewis points out, “Our findings are extremely positive and we take note of the fact that the project has been delivered by third sector organisations that have utilised impressive skills and experience to train and support volunteer mentors to provide high quality mentoring support to mentees – some of whom are prolific persistent offenders (PPOs) recently released from prison.
As highlighted by a recent report by Baroness Neuberger (Volunteering Across the Criminal Justice System, Baroness Neuberger, March 2009), the third sector has a significant role to play in supporting the Criminal Justice System. Our recommendations are in line with those of Baroness Neuberger and this is a unique and important opportunity for Birmingham based agencies (and, we suggest, the United Kingdom) to take advantage of this innovative and successful Test Bed initiative.”
Dr Richard Stunt, New Hope Mentoring Programme Manager says, “We are extremely pleased with Wider Impact Consultancy. They have delivered a comprehensive report that will help us to achieve our objectives. The report has been delivered on time, within budget and is of a high standard. We would not hesitate to recommend the company to others looking to carry out similar work.”
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