A prisoner reintegration charity has won a prestigious award for its work.
StandOut provides people preparing for release from prison with the tools, skills and mindsets needed to apply for work so they can re-engage with society with confidence.
The charity has won the Robin Corbett Award (RCA) for its work and support returning citizens into employment.
Lady Val Corbett, Founder of the Robin Corbett Award for Prisoner Reintegration, says: “We’re so thrilled StandOut are this year’s RCA winners, they work tirelessly to transform the lives of people leaving prison with on-going support to motivate them to get life on track.
“Despite the lockdown and problems faced by many charities within the prison reform sector, judges were impressed with the inspirational work being done to up-skill people from prison for jobs after release or improve self-confidence through mentoring, coaching or training.”
StandOut combines practical support with long-term strengths -focussed coaching on both sides of the prison gates so that people are empowered to transform their own lives.
One trainee on the programme said: “I came out of prison with £46 - literally not enough to get a train ticket back home.
"There isn’t enough support for people coming out of prison which is why so many people reoffend. I think that’s where StandOut comes in.
"To be honest the only reason I joined the programme initially was to get out of my cell but as soon as I got into the course, the coaches were really brilliant.
"They helped me changed my whole mindset - even if I fail, I just need resilience to get back up and keep trying. "
Penny Parker, founder of StandOut says: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the Robin Corbett Award. It recognises StandOut's unique model of working with people inside prison and after release, for as long as it takes to support people to transform their lives.
"Since the day we started StandOut four years ago our coaches have been struck by the determination and motivation of our trainees to get life back on track.
"We are also encouraged that the importance of this work is recognised by the employers who work with us to offer opportunities for people leaving prison.
"This prestigious award comes at an important time as we emerge from the pandemic, and is an endorsement of StandOut’s approach which will allow us to capitalise on what we have achieved so far.”
- For more information visit www.standout.org.uk/standout-programme
