An innovative project which aims to support people as they are released from prison and go back into the community around Southport has received a cash injection from the Cumbria and Lancashire Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC).
United Together, originally a pilot project commissioned for 12 months until September 2020, has received an extension of funding from the CRC. Jane Moodie, the United Together Project Lead from Active Lancashire, commented on the good news saying, “This allows us to continue to deliver an innovative, life-changing programme which is having a really positive impact on people’s lives. Participants receive tailored support specific to their individual needs which gives them the best chance of achieving significant lifestyle changes.”
Cumbria and Lancashire CRC Director, Phil O’Donnell said: “United Together have managed to harness some really powerful drivers for change across Lancashire, including people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and we are delighted to extend our partnership with them.”
United Together, one of many projects led by not-for-profit organisation Active Lancashire, uses sport and physical activity as its main mechanism to engage and motivate prisoners as they are released back into their communities.
The project is a collaboration between a number of Lancashire-based partners and adopts a two-tiered approach to support prisoners both in and out of prison. The first strand, the ‘Pre-release’ offer, sees mentors go into prisons to offer individuals the opportunity to attend fun fitness sessions, they are also given the chance to gain accredited training qualifications in topics such as Mental Health Awareness and Multi Sports Activator. This is designed to allow for prisoners to build confidence and social interaction skills through partaking in group physical activity sessions, whilst also building trust in agencies who could support them upon release.