Background
We started working with prisoners in 2005 when we set up a project with HMP Gloucester to support prisoners and their families. This used time banking in a new way to help prisoners maintain links with their families, to help reduce re-offending and improve rehabilitation.
We now work in three prisons: Gloucester, Eastwood Park and Leyhill. The project has attracted a lot of attention and we have helped train Prison Officers and time banking staff across England and Wales, helping set up a further 20 projects.
At the moment we are working on the film project in association with Storybooks for dads.
How it works
Prisoners earn credits by working or volunteering in the prison. This could be taking part in the bicycle refurbishing workshop (as in HMP Gloucester) or a Listening Project (all prisons). The credits are then used by prisoners in a number of ways: helping families, saving them for support at a later date or donating them to others.
By donating credits to their families and partners, prisoners can support them whilst in prison. This help can provide practical support from the local time bank such as having gardening and decorating carried out, help with transport or using credits for days out. This provides access to services and opportunities that families may not otherwise be able to afford and provides a new network of support at a vulnerable time. This support helps prisoners maintain relationships with their families and therefore means that they are more likely to return home on release.
Prisoners can also use their time credits to film a DVD for their families, which particularly helps children deal with the separation. The filming of a bedtime story can provide an invaluable and regular link for the children.
Prisoners can also save credits for use for support following release. This could be help with transport to get home; help with learning new skills or simply building up a positive support network in their community. They can also donate their credits – either to the Fair Shares Good Will Pot which helps others in need, or to other prisoners or to the Family Centre (at HMP Gloucester).
The prisoners also benefit from learning new skills which improves their confidence and self esteem. The knowledge that they are able to support and maintain ties with their families helps them deal with their separation.
The Time Broker attends Discharge Board meetings to encourage prisoners to join the scheme to help them on release. This could be mentoring, practical support and rebuilding a socialnetwork
Who we work with
We currently work with three prisons in Gloucestershire: Gloucester; Eastwood Park and Leyhill. Our participants also provide regular support to the Family Centre at HMP Gloucester.
We also work with a range of time banks across the South West, Midlands and Wales. We recognise that the prisons have large catchment areas and therefore work with other time banks to transfer time credits that can be spent at home.
Contact Us
If you want to learn more about time banking or any of our time banks, please contact:
Shelley Humpage
Fair Shares
City Works, Alfred Street
Gloucester GL1 4DF
Telephone: 01452 541337
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
