As the nation is still experiencing lock down and the restrictions this brings, The Clink Charity are busier than ever. And we welcome more support.
Our Clink Restaurants, Café, Gardens, Kitchens and Events training projects are all temporarily closed.
Our Clink Support Workers are working tirelessly. Working to ensure that our Clink Graduates in the community, and those still being released early from prison have access to the services they need.
Inside and out
Whilst many see our work inside prisons, what is not always visible is the work that happens outside the gates after release.
The Clink Charity is one of the few organisations that delivers an integrated programme both sides of the prison walls. We deliver specialist training in hospitality and horticulture during the prisoners last 6-18 months of their sentence. We then meet our Clink Graduates at the gate upon release and are there for them 24/7 to help them reintegrate back into society.
Clink Graduates need us more than ever
Still vulnerable and requiring our daily collective support upon release, Clink support workers help the Graduates and provide an essential service in their lives. Last week we issued £4,000 supermarket vouchers to over 100 Graduates who were in need. Over the coming weeks we sadly expect this figure to rise as they will not be working, and some may lose their accommodation.
Releasing early
The news that you’re being released early will be welcome. For many however, the reality is early release is now onto empty streets with a release payment of just £46 and little or no support. The Clink steps in for The Clink Graduates who have trained with them to provide suitable accommodation (if required) and the basics for those that suddenly find themselves exposed and vulnerable. Often at short notice and with many in need, finding secure and suitable emergency accommodation is the first step to safety and also providing supermarket vouchers that can be used to buy provisions.
With a fulltime team of incredible Support Workers and your donations, we are able to continue to provide the essential and life changing contact, accommodation and basics that are so badly needed.
We would like to thank everyone for their encouragement, support, and generous donations at a time when many lives are changed beyond recognition – your actions have helped us transform lives and ultimately reduce reoffending for those most at risk.
Launching COVID-19 Clink Graduate Emergency Support Fund
In response to the crisis that so many of our most vulnerable Graduates now face and those on early release, our fund can now provide nights in a hostel or emergency food supplies in the form of pre-loaded supermarket store cards. We never give cash away and we’re there to manage the emergency measures we provide to each person.
As this pandemic continues, our work grows in importance and urgency. Your donations make an immediate difference to lives that matter.
Donating
If you wish to donate to this fund, you can do so by clicking here and we will update you on the progress of our Graduates in the coming weeks so we can continue to share stories like this one.
I decided I’d use my time wisely to try and do something positive with the skills, experience, and qualifications that I initially learned via The Clink. Three weeks ago, I started work for the NHS catering for approximately 1,400 patient meals a day as well as in staff catering facilities as well initially based for the University Hospital Liverpool NHS Trust.
From next week I’ll be between them and the Manchester Nightingale field hospital at the GMEX centre set up to care for COVID-19 patients across the Country. It’s been really hard work both physically and mentally and unfortunately is likely to get much harder but thanks to the training and work ethic that began at The Clink yet again it is being put to good use. It is good to share something positive in these testing times.
Stay safe
Helen, Clink Graduate, Styal
Thank you
We would like to thank you for supporting The Clink Charity and it’s work – your generosity means we can continue to change attitudes, transform lives, and importantly ensure those second chances are there now and in the future. Thank you.
The Clink Charity Team
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