Supporting people with convictions
At Back on Track we have a long and proud track record supporting people with convictions. In fact we were originally set up as an advice service for people leaving prison, way back in 1977. Over the years we have delivered life-skills courses in prisons, supported people ‘through the gate’, and delivered specialist employability projects for people with convictions. This work has seen hundreds of people with convictions moving on to work, volunteering or further training.
We support people to create a new, positive identity and sense of belonging, helping to develop the long term resilience needed to stop offending and maintain a crime-free life. In this way we help to build safer communities, reduce harm and prevent further offences. When they come to Back on Track people become members and a part of our community, with access to our range of free courses. Our team are specialists in the area of criminal justice, and support people with issues such as disclosing their conviction, applying for work or volunteering, and their rights under the law.
The GM IRS Wellbeing Service
Back on Track is part of a network of charities who are working across Greater Manchester to deliver a new programme called The Wellbeing Service, which is part of the region's integrated resettlement programme. We deliver the service in the Manchester local authority area. The programme works with people who are on probation to improve their mental health and wellbeing. We tailor our support to each individual so that we can respond to their particular needs and personal goals. We offer a combination of one-to-one and group interventions, including our range of wellbeing courses and personal development workshops.
These activities are built around the principles of desistance and ultimately help to prevent reoffending.
Living Life to the Full – resilience skills for anxiety and depression
Communicating with Confidence – managing conflict and fostering healthy relationships
Six Steps to Self-care – developing techniques for self-care at home
A range of creative and wellbeing courses
Fair recruitment
We believe everybody has the right to make a new start without discrimination and unfair barriers. And as having meaningful work is one of the main ways of reducing the chance of reoffending, everyone benefits. Unfortunately prejudice and unfair recruitment processes are still widespread. That's why we work with employers to develop fairer recruitment practices and pathways to work - and why we support the Ban the Box movement that campaigns to increase opportunities for people with convictions to compete for jobs.
Back on Track training
We can provide specialist training to help your organisation understand the issues and make positive changes. Delivered by our expert staff, topics include:
Fair recruitment
Understanding multiple disadvantage
Working with people who have convictions
.
If you’re interested in arranging training for your organisation please contact us at info@backontrackmanchester.org.uk
100% of people who attended our 'supporting people with convictions' training rated it 10/10
