Straight On

supporting ex-prisoners to go Straight On to a life without crime

Release from prison, for many prison inmates, is disorientating and daunting.

When discharged, ex-prisoners are often unsure of the direction they want to take and they don’t know who will be there for them, if anyone! All too often they have no home, no work and no money and the only familiar way is the path that returns to old influences, temptations and another prison sentence.

Straight On trains committed volunteers to meet ex-prisoners at the gates, usually in the early hours of the day, and support them in the first few hours of their new life. The Straight On Volunteer accompanies the releasee to the Probation Office, then to register with JobCentre+, apply for Job Seeker Allowance and get straight onto New Deal to help gain employment.

Wherever possible, inmates are introduced to their Straight On Volunteer a few days before release. Release dates are often disclosed only a few hours prior to the actual release time, so Straight On needs Volunteers who can be called at very short notice.

Could you be a Straight On Volunteer and show ex-prisoners a way forward, helping to keep them on track to a fresh start without crime? Full training is given and advice is available by telephoning 0845 430 9138.

To register your interest and find out more about how you can help, please click here and provide your contact details – be part of the Straight On Team.