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Imagine being released from prison with no clear direction, no support system, and no idea how to reintegrate into society. This is the harsh reality for many individuals who have served their time, only to be thrust back into a world that can be overwhelming and unforgiving. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Norfolk Community Chaplaincy (CCN), these individuals now have a beacon of hope. The CCN has been working tirelessly to provide mentorship and support to prison leavers, helping them to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of reoffending. Recently, their efforts were recognized and rewarded with a significant funding boost of £20,000, courtesy of Norwich Consolidated Charities and the Norfolk Community Foundation’s Love Norfolk Fund.
The funding will enable the CCN to continue their vital work, recruiting and training volunteer mentors to ‘walk with’ prison leavers as they navigate the challenges of reintegration. Having a trusted mentor by their side can make all the difference, providing a listening ear, helping with practical tasks such as completing applications, and signposting them to other support agencies. The CCN’s approach is built on empathy, understanding, and a deep commitment to helping individuals overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. With three paid part-time staff and an average of 25 mentors and clients at any given time, the CCN has already supported an impressive 183 prison leavers on their journey towards rehabilitation. As Abby Erwin, manager of the CCN, so eloquently put it, “We are enormously grateful for this support, which will enable us to continue our work with people leaving prison, whose needs are so often overlooked.”
The CCN’s mentoring program is built on a foundation of intensive training, which helps potential mentors decide if this is the right role for them. The training is rigorous, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring that mentors are equipped to provide the level of support and guidance that prison leavers need. The next training course is scheduled to take place on two Saturdays, May 31st and June 7th, and interested individuals are encouraged to get in touch to learn more. In addition to volunteering as a mentor, there are other ways to support the CCN’s work, including signing up for their Prayer Newsletter and making a donation via their website. Even small contributions can make a significant difference, with £10 covering the cost of one mentor-client meeting and £50 funding the training of a new mentor.
The impact of the CCN’s work cannot be overstated. For one client, having a mentor has been a game-changer, providing a sense of comfort and security that they had previously lacked. As they so eloquently put it, “(My mentor) is always there if and when I need them. I feel comfortable enough to be able to talk about anything and always receive the best advice.” This is just one example of the many lives that the CCN has touched, and it’s a testament to the power of mentorship and support in helping individuals overcome even the most daunting challenges. As Claire Mackintosh MBE, Chief Executive of the Norfolk Community Foundation, noted, “Norfolk Community Foundation is delighted to support this much-needed project that will make a real difference in the community. We wish them every success with their work.”
The CCN’s work is also being supported by Norwich Consolidated Charities, one of the four Registered Charities in the Norwich Charitable Trusts group of Charities. This organization makes grants to individuals and charities for exceptional items or payments, providing significant relief to those in need. The Norfolk Community Foundation, meanwhile, is dedicated to supporting projects that make a tangible difference in the community, and their Love Norfolk Fund is just one example of their commitment to this goal. As Helen Baldry noted, the CCN’s work is a shining example of the impact that can be achieved when organizations and individuals come together to support a common cause.
In conclusion, the Norfolk Community Chaplaincy’s work with prison leavers is a beacon of hope in a world that can often seem unforgiving and uncaring. Their mentoring program, built on empathy, understanding, and a deep commitment to helping individuals overcome the obstacles that stand in their way, is a powerful example of the impact that can be achieved when we come together to support a common cause. As the CCN looks to the future, they do so with a sense of hope and optimism, knowing that their work is making a real difference in the lives of those they serve. If you’re interested in learning more about their work, or would like to get involved as a mentor or supporter, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at [email protected] or visit their website at norfolkchaplaincy.org.uk. Together, we can make a difference and help create a more compassionate, supportive, and inclusive community for all.
