Prison Rehabilitation Programme FAQs
The what, when,where, why and how.
What: The Prison Rehabilitation Programme- a scheme which uses 1-2-1 mentoring tofacilitate the reintegration of offenders into mainstream society.
Who: Offenders currently serving sentences within a prison in the UK
When: Weekly or fortnightly between 8am-7pm, Monday – Saturday.
3 to 6 months before release and 3 to 6 months after release
Where: Feltham, Isis and Wormwood Scrubs
Why: There are over 12,000 Muslims in prison, most of whom are incarcerated due to a number of reasons, one of the most common being reoffending upon release. Research has found that the stubbornly high reoffending rate amongst Muslim prisoners is due to the lack of targeted support on release to aid their resettlement back into the community. What we mean by this is that once released, most prisoners often have to deal with the stigmatisation attached with being an ex-offender and the ensuing community backlash, which leads to further isolation. With no support from their friends or family, they end up reoffending, being sent back to prison and going round and round the system. It’s this cycle that the Prison Rehabilitation Programme is determined to break.
How: Volunteer mentors will be matched with a mentee (offender) to provide 1-2-1 mentoring 3/6 months before release from custody and 3/6 months after release. This will mean visiting the prisoner weekly or fortnightly while in custody. Support will continue once the prisoner has been released into the community and will include a meet and greet at the gate on the prisoner's day of release
Is it safe?
Yes it is very safe. Muslim Aid only works with low-risk prisoners. Each prisoner that comeson to our programme is risk assessed by the prison before he/she is matched with a mentor.
Will there be training provided?
Yes, each of our partners has devised training specific to the requirements of their prison establishment. All volunteers on the programme will be expected to attend this training so that theyare adequately equipped with the skills necessary to be a prison mentor.
Age
You must be 21 and over to be considered as a mentor.
How long does it take?
It could take anything from one to three months, from the date of application, before you actually begin to mentor a prisoner.This is as a result ofdifferences in paperwork, local rules and practices between prison establishments. Additionally, volunteer mentors will also need to attend an interview with the prison, training days and undergo security clearance/DBS checks- all of which add to the length of the process.
Do I have to be a Muslim to volunteer with you?
No. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life.
I cannot commit to 9 months, are there any other opportunities?
Yes, you can either volunteer in the Visitor’s Centre providing support to families and friends visiting loved ones in prison, or ‘meet and greet’ a prisoner on their day of release.
Next Steps
If you want to become a mentor then fill in the application form. Once this has been completed and returned you will be invited for an informal interview. If successful you will be referred on to one of the partners (prisons) to begin the mentoring process.
If you would like more information either email
Or call 020 7377 4200