The Turnaround Project

The Turnaround Project

Description

In the UK, 60% of those who leave prison end up re-offending. Employment can reduce this risk by 30-50%, however, only 27% of those leaving prison have a job to go to. Turnaround Project supports prisoners in Belfast into employment through training and transitional employment opportunities. It combines also provides tailored ‘turnaround plans’, based on weekly mentoring. Turnaround currently offers offenders employment in two social enterprises (co-designed by graduates and offenders) – Big Loop Bikes, a bike repair shop, and Outwork, a grounds maintenance service. Turnaround Project will use The Fore’s funding to begin transforming Shannon House (an unused prison service asset) into a Transitional and Restorative Justice Centre, which will unlock full financial sustainability and large scale social impact for the organisation. Funding will also enable two of its projects, the Outwork and Big Loop Bikes, to become financially sustainable by scaling up their activities.