WIREDGOV

A young offenders institute in Reading is piloting a scheme that aims to reduce reoffending and anti-social behaviour among young offenders.

The Personal Leadership and Personal Effectiveness Programme, which has helped  more than 200 young offenders, aims to reduce reoffending by changing behaviour, building confidence and improving communication skills.

Former prisoner Aaron Clark said the course really benefitted him, giving him confidence and teaching him how to think. And since leaving prison he has stayed out of trouble, working closely with his Probation Officer.

Mike Morris, Head of Learning and Skills at HMP Reading said:

'This programme delivers some of the most challenging work that young offenders do at HMYOI Reading. 

'It tackles the individual reasons that lie behind what makes these young men break the law in the first place.

He added: 'The staff and management at Reading have a progressive approach. As well punishing offenders by depriving them of their liberty, we are focused on resettlement and reducing reoffending – if we can turn prisoners away from crime we’re actually doing a good job.'

'We must do more to tackle the root causes of reoffending. In practice, this means prisons that are not only places of punishment but also places of education, hard work, and an opportunity for change.

'As part of the ‘Big Society’ we want to encourage charities and social enterprise groups as well as the private sector to apply their enthusiasm and expertise to turning around more and more lives and preventing future victims.'
 
The accredited scheme at Reading is being run with the help of the Chrysalis Foundation, a social enterprise that aims to improve offender development and rehabilitation.