Businesses needed to support new employability programme at HMP Fosse Way

Key4Life, a rehabilitative charity for young offenders is launching a new employability program at state-of-the-art HMP Fosse Way and is looking for employers to get involved.

They are hosting three afternoons at HMP Fosse Way in Leicester where you can join other businesses and meet with young men wanting to turn their lives around. They believe employers with knowledge of local industry, local employability opportunities and local community can make a real difference.

They would like you to share your experience and expertise in employability and workplace skills to get these men on the right path. Event dates:

• 25th October
• 31st October
• 7th November

Helping ex-offenders find employment is the best way to put them on the right path in life, discourage reoffending, and reduce strain on the economy. Key4Life say most importantly, however, they will provide a unique, important and beneficial outlook which could improve your business and its diversity.

Did you know offenders cost the economy £18.2 Billion every year?
Did you know it costs £39K to imprison a young offender for one year?
Did you know only 15% of young offenders gain employment one year after release?
Did you know 74% of offenders under the age of 21 reoffend within 2 years?
With Key4Life, 64% of young men who have been through the programme are currently in secure employment, but more importantly, only 14% of Key4Life participants have reoffended. This means that for every £1 invested, Key4Life generates £17 in social value over 3 years.

Key4Life works with KPMG, Sony Music, MediaCom, Landsec, Willmot Dixon, Schroders, Sodexo, Chelsea FC, Queens Park Rangers, England Boxing, Thames Water, Nandos, LEON and many others – they would also like to work with businesses in Leicestershire.

In addition to the program in Fosse Way, your business could help reduce re-offending by:

• Mentoring a young man – Key4Life have trained over 130 mentors
• Hosting a work taster – 3days work experience can make all the difference
• Providing employment – To participants that meet you requirements
• Joining the movement – Businesses which employ an ex-offender for 6months are rewarded with the YOUNITED flag to be proudly displayed and recognised

If you are interested in joining them at HMP Fosse Way please get in touch.

Learn more about their work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9XIFYgHEFo&t=6s

If you want to find out about these events please contact Shelley Drew, Prison Employment Lead, Resettlement at Serco, T: 0116 216 2656 Ext. 3024 or E: shelley.drew@serco.com