Beneficiary Involvement

CLIC in Europe

Staff from the Winchester based ‘CLIC’ project and an ex-offender from Winchester prison travelled to Portugal in May 2007 to meet their European counterparts to discuss life after prison. 

The Caravel Transnational conference, which took place in Lisbon, included representatives from throughout Europe. The aim of the conference was to share different ways of successfully re-introducing ex-offenders back into the workplace or onto training plans. One workshop looked at new ways of working with prospective employers to change attitudes towards employing ex-offenders.

The CLIC (Community Liaison & Integration Co-ordination) project is run by A2 Winchester Westgate Support + Care and aims to improve the health & well-being of short term ex-offenders from Winchester prison and their families, and reduce re-offending rates, by offering intensive holistic support.  It is part funded by EXODUS through the European Social Fund.

Commenting on the conference Peter Jones, CLIC Chairman comments:

“We are committed to integrating ex-offenders back into the community to create a safer and more cohesive society and the conference was a great chance to learn from our European colleagues.”

Art Workshop

CLIC has recently worked with professional freelance designers on an art workshop creating self-portraits.

The session was part of a group funded by a grant from Winchester City Council Community Chest. The designers worked with adults with learning difficulties and vulnerable young people ages 16-25 as well as ex-offenders to produce some fantastic artwork.
 
During the art workshop sessions participants were encouraged to explore their individual creativity. This gave them improved confidence, self esteem and patience whilst acquiring new skills and interests.