STEPS

(Skills Training Employment & Peer Support)

STEPS trains an ex-offender to work in prisons and with ex-offenders in the community. The trainee prepares women for release from prison, and offers ex-offenders practical guidance, emotional support and mentoring back in the community, to minimise the ‘revolving door' effect. Alongside on-the-job learning, the trainee studies, and becomes qualified, in courses such as Working with Vulnerable Adults. The post-holder acts as a positive role model, promoting the benefits of employment and training opportunities, and is able to use her personal experience to work effectively and empathically with women. The STEPS trainee directly supports the Employment & Training development of ex-offenders, working closely with the GetSET manager and running IT courses. The scheme gives status, income, social capital and skills vital to sustainable citizenship. In turn, the trainee will support women to break the cycle of negative behaviours that lead to imprisonment by reframing how they value themselves.