MSPS develops a programme with Waltham Forest Council for ex-offenders

Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS) and Waltham Forest Council hosted a social value working lunch last week to discuss the development of a programme that will support rehabilitated ex-offenders back into the community.

For many ex-offenders the complex conditions faced once they’ve been released can present a set of impossible barriers. Without the right support many have little chance of breaking the criminal cycle, which is often rooted in their attitudes, skills, social networks and families.

The session explored what kind of support will be offered, such as upskilling, training (trade or non-trade based), improving integration in society, how to build a sense of belonging and involvement while developing a resilience to turn their back on the past.

Catherine Marcus, Community Safety Media Officer at Waltham Forest Council, said “Thank you MSPS for organising such a great first session. We all came up with some pretty concrete proposals for how we can help vulnerable young people and ex-offenders build up their employment skills. I’m looking forward to working with you all to get this programme off the ground, as it could be a real game-changer in terms of alternative provision.”

Natasha Rochester, Social Value Coordinator at MSPS, said “We are looking forward to developing this programme with Waltham Forest Council to help understand ex-offender’s attitudes so we can build a structured training programme that will better support the transition back in to the community.”