National Lottery grant for Kairos Prisoner Response

The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded Kairos Community Trust a grant for our Prisoner Response initiative, which is aimed at supporting individuals who have been through the criminal justice system and who have successfully addressed substance misuse issues through prison recovery programmes.

Now, thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund’s grant, Kairos support worker Frank McDonald has been able to take on the role of dedicated support worker for ex-offenders in Kairos Move-on houses to help them achieve their individualised support plans and work towards the goal of independent living. Typically, this support includes help accessing benefits and health services, guidance with their ongoing recovery, accessing the Kairos+ counselling service, and pursuing  education, training and employment opportunities. There is also a very strong peer mentoring group.

“This grant is making a big difference. I am now working closely in partnership with the local probation service and the integrated offender managers from the Met Police, and the partnership is getting stronger as we progress,” reports Frank McDonald. “I’m also working with London Energy, who came and did a presentation last month and now two of our ex-offenders have interviews with them next week and an opportunity of full-time employment starting in September. I’m trying to engage with services within the local community and give these men and women opportunities to maintain their recovery and be productive members of society.”

• For more information about the Fund: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk