INTRODUCING OUR 2023 WINNERS

The winner of this year’s Robin Corbett Award (RCA) is leading prisoner reintegration charity, The Hardman Trust whose focus is working with people who have served long-term prison sentences of ten years or more.

The RCA judging panel were impressed by the practical way The Hardman Trust supports long-term returning citizens from the gate into employment with help, training and support. Judges include the Director of the Prison Reform Trust, a retired High Court Judge and President of the Prison Governors Association.

Lady Val Corbett, Founder of the Robin Corbett Award for Prisoner Reintegration, says: “This year’s winner, The Hardman Trust, under the inspired leadership of CEO Kerryn Wotton, won through supporting some of the 11,000 serving sentences of 10 years or more. They are the only charity to do so in England, Wales and Scotland and provide support in preparing for release and follow up with practical help to achieve their personal goals. From finding and sustaining work to starting a training course or university degree and also provide grants for a laptop, tools and equipment or vocational courses.”

As this year’s winner, The Hardman Trust will receive £5000, a glass plaque donated by James Timpson and a book “A Life Well Lived”, about her husband, written by Lady Corbett.

The Hardman Trust is the only charity in the UK focusing specifically on the unique needs of people on long-term prison sentences. In the 30 years since the charity was formed, prison populations have increased by 75% and sentences have become much longer. Over 2,000 people are released from prison annually after serving 10 years or more, and this number is growing (MOJ data). They provide tailored support to each individual to plan for their life after prison. (The Trust knows) that when people leaving prison are supported into education, training or employment they experience improved wellbeing, are more likely to reintegrate successfully, and are less likely to reoffend. This creates more purposeful and fulfilling lives for people leaving prison, and helps our communities become safer and more prosperous for all. They know that when people leaving prison are supported into education, training or employment they experience improved wellbeing, are more likely to reintegrate successfully, and are less likely to reoffend. This creates more purposeful and fulfilling lives for people leaving prison, and helps our communities become safer and more prosperous for all.

For more information: https://www.hardmantrust.org.uk

The Robin Corbett Award other winners in the Highly Commended category for their outstanding work are: Bounce Back and Recycling Lives who each receive £2,000, a glass plaque and the Robin Corbett book.

Bounce Back started in 2011 as a small painting and decorating social enterprise. Since then, 4000 people have been trained to get jobs in the construction industry. They work with people six months prior to release so they can start to earn money as soon as they leave prison which helps reduce re-offending. They also help people to gain self-employment status to avoid any barriers and recognise that not only returning citizens need support, so do employers who’ve hired them.

https://www.bouncebackproject.com

Recycling Lives was founded in 2008, with an aim of reducing homelessness and reoffending by supporting men and women into stable housing and employment. Later food redistribution was added to tackle food poverty. Meeting prisoners at the gate of the jail they offer support with life skills, a flat in their purpose-built block and permanent employment. Inmates who work for Recycling Lives inside prisons are paid the market rate but half their money is invested so when released some receive enough to put towards rent or transport.

www.recyclinglives.org