LandWorks is delighted to have been award a grant of £6,000 towards its work with people in the criminal justice system from the Probation Service, via the South West Integrated Offender Management (IOM) team.
The IOM scheme works with those who have an entrenched history of offending, providing more intensive supervision to help them desist from crime. The funding comes from the SW Probation Service IOM innovation fund.
The grant will be used by LandWorks to buy new equipment and extend the charity’s wood workshop, where participants learn new skills, gain valuable work experience and prepare for future employment. The workshop produces a range of products including garden benches and tables that are sold to the local community and in turn help to fund the charity.
Laura Sloane, IOM Strategic Lead for the Probation Service in the South West, said: “When I visited LandWorks, earlier this year, I was immediately struck by the welcoming, yet focused and productive atmosphere. In my view, it offers everything that our IOM cohort need, a sense of community and purpose but also accountability and real practical skills. The Probation Service is incredibly pleased to be able to support the further growth of the project.”
Detective Inspector Andrew Smith, Devon and Cornwall Police IOM team said: “LandWorks values are closely aligned to the IOM Teams – ‘Reducing Re-Offending, Transforming Lives’. The location is amazing, and on arrival visitors feel both a sense of calm and a sense of purpose. LandWorks give those who are seeking a purpose in life a place to go, be supported, and give back. They are trusted and supported by the onsite team.”
In response, Chris Parsons, Director of LandWorks, said: “We are extremely grateful for this support for our work. The charity is making a real difference helping people to put crime behind them and the grant will help us to continue this work. It is in everyone’s interest that we do all we can to reduce the likelihood of people reoffending.”