One of the best parts of my CEO role is hearing about when someone we’re supporting finds work. It’s not just that someone has found a job – after months or sometimes years of painful searching and countless rejections. It’s not just that people like Howard or Grace (two of our Clean Sheet Members) have the opportunity to earn a wage again.
It’s the fact that a job can so often provide purpose and HOPE! That simple four-letter word that is essential to life. It can help someone with a conviction to move forward. It can help them to see a different future where crime doesn’t play a part. It can help them to build something much more positive that adds to society rather than takes away from it.
So far this year, over 100 Clean Sheet Members (people with convictions) have found work. ‘Russ’ said:
You’ve kept me on track, gently nudging when needed, and always been willing and available to help.
Jamie said:
…I wanted to say thank you for all the help and guidance you have provided over the last year. It has been a huge pillar of stability and support in my life. I genuinely wouldn’t be in the place I am now without you. And I will never be able to thank you enough for that.
Comments like this are so uplifting. However, there’s often been ‘blood, sweat and tears’ behind each of these quotes – some of our Members face hundreds of job rejections before someone gives them an opportunity.
Given that work reduces reoffending (by up to 9 percentage points, Ministry of Justice research), surely it makes sense to open up job opportunities for people with convictions who have served their time and want to move forward.
That way, the 100 we’ve seen into work this year can turn into 1,000, even 10,000 one day and beyond! At the end of the day, it means hope restored, changed lives and a changed society. That’s got to be good for all.