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CONTENTS

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THE EDITOR&THIS ISSUE...

SPOTLIGHT ON EMPLOYMENT

n this issue we are highlighting a brand new music review, an organisation that supports prisoners families, an ex-offender

employment agency, a trans gender project and a drama student working in a Probation Hostel.

The Inside&Out Competition was a complete washout. We received no contributions within the deadline. This is partly our fault because we didn’t heavily publicise the competition. We are still interested in making this magazine a “Community Magazine’’ and are seeking anything that you would like published such as a letters page, poetry and artwork. We cannot print libellous, discriminative or overly negative submissions but this is YOUR chance to show off your talents to the world and add to a portfolio. We prefer your submissions to be sent digitally, however, if this is not possible please them to the address below. It may be possible to refund or cover the cost of postage. Whether you are a member of staff, an offender or ex-offender and you would like to add skills to your CV, work skills and a reference by becoming a representative of Inside&Out, we would love to hear from youIf you need advice on employment, apprenticeships, training, families etc why not give us a call on our new Freephone number 0808 168 3704

n this issue we are highlighting a brand new music review, an organisation that supports prisoners families, an ex-offender

employment agency, a trans gender project and

I

THE STAFF&CONTACTS

Editor Editor Mark ClarkGraphic Design&LayoutAndrew Perkinsandrew.perkins@libero.itProof ReaderCharlotte Pattison-Rideout

MarketingMarketingMark Clark Jayne Silvester

Supported byG.E Ellis Foundation, 25 Prisons, 23 Probation Trusts

ContactInside&Out CICC/O The Newsroom,Apex House74-76 Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1FB

Freephone number 0808 1683704.E-mail: mark@insidenout.org

SPOTLIGHT ON ... MUSIC REVIEWOUT THERE PROJECTTRANS PEOPLE PROJECTTHEATRE PROJECT

ON EMPLOYMENT

HELP US CREATE THE NEXT ISSUE

SEND US YOUR IDEAS, DRAWINGS, PUZZLES,ARTICLES, LETTERS OR ANYTHING YOU LIKE...

...OPPORTUNITIESTO IMPROVETHE EMPLOYAbILITYOF PEOPLE LEAVINGCUSTODY!

THE bOUNCE bACK PROJECT...

SPOTLIGHT ON...

ounce Back offers training and development opportunities to im-prove the employability of people

leaving custody. We act as a bridge into a more stable way of life, engaging with our participants whilst still in custody then training and employing them on release. Our aim is to give people the qualifica-

tions and ability to be professional, self-employed decorators by the time they leave us. Through employment in our own social enterprise, participants have an opportunity to learn every aspect of the profession on both commercial and pri-vate jobs - and to showcase their talents to some of the partner contractors we work

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with, many of whom have taken staff onto their workforce from us.Gavin Humphries has been with us for over a year now, is working on site and has also discovered a talent for writing. He has written an interview for the Big Issue’s answersfromthebigissue.com and contributes to our blog. Here he tells us about his life since joining Bounce Back.

Gavin’s Story“I found out about Bounce Back when I was coming towards the end of my last cus-todial sentence back in the beginning of 2012.The Bounce Back Project is a charity, as well as a social enter-prise set up to help ex-offenders with their transition from prison

life back into the working environment by providing 3 weeks of intense training, fol-lowed by 2 weeks of voluntary work.During this time, whilst working towards an N.V.Q. level 2, there’s the chance to gain a CSCS card which enables people to work on construction sites. As well as other training such as cradle and mobile plant operation, and specialist paint prod-ucts,What really caught my attention and in-trigued me about Bounce Back was that it mainly dealt with the painting and deco-rating aspect of the construction industry, and considering the fact that I had pre-viously attended college and achieved a N.V.Q. in painting and decorating, it ap-peared to be the most logical course of action in which to take.

I wasn’t sure whether I would be accept-ed via self-referral so I went back to my previous probation office and explained my situation, stating that if I didn’t get on this programme I would more than likely get into further trouble and sent back to prison.After about a month and a half of my re-lease, and having returned to the Bounce Back centre twice for interviews, I’m glad to say that I was accepted, I didn’t return to prison, and my working relationship with Bounce Back has continued up to this day.I can’t say that it has been plain sailing since my release from prison but I can say that I have been very fortunate to have had the help and support from the rest of the staff as well as the other programme participants.Bounce Back have been very patient and tolerant with me throughout my transition back into work, whereas the majority of employers probably wouldn’t have been. They even helped me with an issue I had regarding accommodation by linking me up with another organisation by the name of Vision Housing who help ex-offenders who would otherwise be vulnerable if left out on the streets.The training which is provided is of quality value and is excellent for those who have either no prior knowledge of the trade or want to brush up on their existing skills, whilst learning new ones and building up their confidence.”

Before any of the programme participants start working properly, Bounce Back en-sure that each individual is kitted out with the correct personal protective equipment and the relevant tools are provided.Bounce Back will even go as far as to help

ounce Back offers training and development opportunities to im-prove the employability of people

leaving custody. We act as a bridge into

B

“ After about a month and a half of my release, and having returned to the Bounce Back centre twice

for interviews, I’m glad to say that I was accepted.

”

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So if you are coming towards the end of your sentence and considering what to do when released, why not give Bounce Back a try?

Bounce Back aims to expand its skills training within the next year to offer addi-tional qualifications to meet the response from our clients. In addition we are in talks with more prisons and local authori-ties to increase our reach.

To contact us email:fran@bouncebackproject.com or call 0207 535 8655.

those who wish to pursue a different job away from painting and decorating and in other industries.

“I can speak from experience as a few weeks before Christmas I happened to fracture my ankle and wound up in a cast and on crutches! I was worried that I would be out of work but fortunately I was given some office duties to get along with, which meant that I could flex my I.T. skills.”

Bounce Back provide a good opportunity for those wishing to get back on their feet, feel good about themselves, gain confi-dence, and exercise existing skills whilst learning new ones. It also provides a way for people to build new relationships whilst trying to mend broken ones, and above all it enables an alternative to re-offending which ultimately means bounc-ing back and not returning to prison!

SPOTLIGHT ON...

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and option to buy music and videos from the group. It’s a great read to pass the time and its also free so visit your AppStore or play store now and download ‘The Story So Far’ by ZeZi.

Bossman Ent is a inspiration for Birming-ham artists showing them that hard work does pay off.

Visit the Zezi website www.zeziworld.co.ukFollow them on Twitter @zeziworldukLike the facebook page. Zezi OfficialYouTube /zeziworld

Review written by J.Lewis

Ok we will start this months review fo-cusing on Birmingham’s music scene and companies within the scene itself. BME which is short for ‘Bossman Ent’ is a up & coming independent record label which specialises in artist development and gaining artist signings to major labels. Owned and founded by brummie Artist/Producer/Song-writer and entrepreneur ‘Bc Da Bossman’ this label promises to deliver nothing but good music and tal-ented artists nothing less.

Last year the company negotiated a major deal with ROK Comics to release a audio & digital comic book app for apple users and smartphones. The app features BME artist ‘ZeZi’ and a brief but exclusive insight to their life and progression through the industry. Also providing readers with a mini soundtrack

SPOTLIGHT ON...SPOTLIGHT ON...SPOTLIGHT ON...SPOTLIGHT ON... MUSIC REVIEW

bIRMINGHAM’S MUSIC SCENE

bOSSMAN ENT RECORD LAbEL..

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WORDSEARCH SUD

OK

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MAZE

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SUPPORTING FAMILIES...

PAT’S STORY...ONE OF MANY THAT THE “OUT THERE”TEAM HEARS DAILY!

UT THERE, an innovative proj-ect, supports the Families of Pris-oners in Greater Manchester.

The project was initiated in 2006 by a reli-gious community, the Daughters of Char-ity of St Vincent de Paul.

The following account relates only the ini-tial impact of crime on a family.

PAT’S STORY is only one of the very many situations the staff of OUT THERE meet, help and support on a daily basis.

“On 9th November 2006 at 01.30am my life changed forever. I had realised I was in urgent need of some “ME” time. Life at home was turbulent and I had tak-

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OUT THERE PROJECT

UT THERE, an innovative proj-ect, supports the Families of Pris-oners in Greater Manchester.

The project was initiated in 2006 by a reli-

O

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I felt sick a I approached my mother’s home, knowing full well that Jack was her golden grandson.

I knew she was not going to cope.

So like a pebble in a pond, the crime was beginning to ripple. There were so many emotional hurdles. I wasn’t allowed by the police to speak to, or see, Carmel and Jack. Carmel, my little girl was being interrogated night and day with her elderly grandmother for support.

As a mother, your core primal urge is to protect your babies. Yet for 3 days and nights I could only watch my mother age with each visit to the police station to be with Carmel.

I watched the effects on my father, brother and sisters, trying to decide what looks were of pity, sorrow or blame, for bring-ing this tragedy and pain to my mother’s door.”

PAT is happy to share with us her life story which will be continued in the next edition of ‘Inside and Out’.

For families in Greater Manchester: “OUT THERE” 2A Powell Street, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 7QQ Tel: 0161 232 8986 www.outtheresfop.co.uk

en a few days off work to try to calm down the situation with my son Jack.

His ex-partner had just given birth to their second son. So I had gone to chill out at a friend’s house, left my mobile in my coat pocket and my troubles at the door.

Although my 2 children were 21 and 16 I still couldn’t go to sleep without glancing at my mobile. When I saw I had 31 missed calls alarm bells began to ring!

Nothing could have prepared me for the events of the next 5 hours.

The situation was that my son Jack had gone, with his sister, to his ex-partner’s new boyfriend’s home. After a row, he had killed a man in an al-cohol and cocaine fuelled rage.

It can only be described as ten minutes of absolute madness. My quick reactions to the situation meant I found myself be-having in ways that I now have to say, am ashamed of.

I insisted my son showered, so I could wash his bloodstained clothes. Begged him to take my bankcard and run as fast as he could. God only knows what I was thinking. I wanted to stop the clock.

Bang! Door kicked in... both my children handcuffed, dragged into the street and arrested on murder charges.

I was given 10 minutes to grab my coat, had my bag searched before being told to leave my home as it was now a crime scene. It was 5 days before I got back in.

ASSISTED PRISON VISITS...SUPPORTING TRANS PEOPLE

ender Matters are a winning char-ity that is based in Wolverhamp-ton. The organisation supports

Trans people and their Allies throughout the west midlands region. Gender Matters provides a comprehensive programme of practical support, counselling, advice and information for anyone with any ques-

ender Matters are a winning char-ity that is based in Wolverhamp-ton. The organisation supports

Trans people and their Allies throughout

G

SUPPORTING TRANS PEOPLE, ADVANCING TRANS PEOPLE, ADVANCING TRANS PEOPLE, TRANS EQUALITY

GENDER MATTERS...

tions or problems concerning their gender identity, or whose loved ones are struggling with gender identity issues.The Charity recently won the outstand-ing contribution to the LGBT Commu-nity Award at the Pride Ball 2013 reader’s award. This award meant a significant amount the Staff team, Volunteers and ben-

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eficiaries that access the services that we provide. The Organisation focuses on one key word and that is support. Through offer-ing a variety of opportunities, people can access support and express themselves, so that their voice can be heard.

Current Services that we offer:

• A Professional BACP Counselling service. • Thursday Drop-in sessions from 12-9pm.• Telephone Support from Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. Our office number is 01902 744424.• GM offer OCN and bespoke Trans Awareness training, to external individuals, groups, organisations and agencies.• We run a number of creative projects and session’s such as Art therapy; voice coaching and we have the Translucent Fashion Show project. • Volunteer Programme- This programme supports and develops volunteers, to access further training and employment opportunities.

CASE STUDYMrs X served a custodial sentence and recently underwent a transition whilst in Prison. Case study X was released from Prison in the last 6 months after serving a 12-month custodial sentence. The rehabilitation of offenders plays a fundamental part of the support work that we undertake as an or-ganisation. Gender Matters takes a person centred approach so we see an individual before we see a criminal record, or an indi-vidual’s history. Amongst the people that

we help and support there are a number of ex offenders or people currently in prison that receive our support. It’s about offering advice and knowledge to people that need it the most, which forms the most integral part of the service that we provide to our beneficiaries.

WORDS OF INSPIRATION‘Gender Matters gave a chance to be my-self without judgement persecution or ex-pectation. The Team of staff supported me to improve my confidence and provided op-portunities for me to retrain and integrate back into the community with new-found confidence’

(A sample collection of artwork, from Volunteer Gabriel Taylor)

Contact details for Gender Matters:Facebook GM page http://www.facebook.com/groups/gendermatterswm www.gender-matters.org.uk info@gender-matters.org.uk

Sherri Tomlinson, CEO - Chelsey Bailey, Centre Manager, Ali Draper, Development Manager

THEATRE PROJECT...

USING THE THEATRE TO HELP EX OFFENDERS

ame: Sarah Lynn FosterAge: 23Project: Walk the Line

Aim: To increase ex offenders self esteem and improve communication skills through the use of theatre.Working with: Kirk Lodge Probation Hostel.Supported and sponsored by: Curve

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SARAH LYNN FOSTER’S PRObATION PROJECT

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Theatre Leicester, Young Art’s Entrepreneur Scheme.

My project originally came about because I feel a lot of people lack or struggle with basic communication and social skills in today’s modern world. I originally was going to focus on young adults/teenagers who would rather text

ame: Sarah Lynn FosterAge: 23Project: Walk the Line

Aim: To increase ex offenders self

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you when you are in the next room instead of come and have a face to face conversation. I feel that this effects, confidence, communication skills, e.g. the ability to use tone and facial ex-pressions to complement what is being said and that we a re gener-ally losing the ability to talk to one another effectively.

I began thinking about young peo-ple at risk, how a lot “naughty” kids tend to get angry and aggres-sive quickly or are the opposite and can be quiet and isolated and I wanted to see whether using drama techniques, exercises and games could help them to understand how to use their voice, language, tone and body language to express how they are feeling before they get annoyed or angry, or to help talk through things when they do.

It was after I successfully applied for the amazing Young Arts Entrepreneur scheme based and supported by the Curve Theatre in Leicester and the Hamilton fund that Kirk Lodge happened to get in contact with my mentor Tim Ford.

Kirk Lodge is a probation hostel in Leic-ester and they wanted to know about get-ting some of the guys from the probation centre involved in the theatre some how, and this is how I got involved with work-ing at Kirk Lodge.

It was pretty lucky timing and I’m really looking forward to working with a group there on my project entitles “Walk the Line.”

I will be visiting the guys once a week for 4-6 weeks, beginning in May, to engage them in theatre based workshops to help them with their self esteem and confi-dence, hopefully enabling them to reach the end goal of making a radio play that will be displayed at the Curve Young Arts Entrepreneur Exhibition day in August.

I really hope the guys get involved and feel empowered at being given the chance to produce something together.

My goal is to eventually be working regu-larly with groups of offenders/ ex-offend-ers and young people at risk to help build self esteem and interpersonal skills that can support them in day to day life, as well as areas like job interviews.

Sarah Lynn Foster

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