"Onwards and Upwards' projects include XO Bikes and XO Barbers, which offer training to become bike mechanics and barbers respectively. Jones said: "We have trained 186 bike mechanics, of which 102 should technically be back inside, based on a 55% reoffending rate. Four have been back to prison. That is a 2% reoffending rate, versus 55%." In a survey last year, one in five UK employers said they would immediately reject a candidate with a criminal conviction."
"Jae Walters began cutting fellow inmates' hair and is now working for XO Barbers. He said: "It's a pleasure being here and starting a career in this place. It has given me the opportunity to move forward. "This has given me the platform to be somebody that I want to be in the future. All I can do is thank the people here.""
A charity provides vocational training for prison leavers through projects XO Bikes and XO Barbers, teaching bike mechanics and barbering skills. The programs refurbish donated cycles and run a public barbershop at HMP Brixton, creating visible, customer-facing employment. Of 186 bike mechanics trained, only four have returned to prison, representing a 2% reoffending rate compared with a 55% baseline. Employer attitudes remain mixed, with one in five UK employers saying they would immediately reject candidates with convictions. Trainees report increased confidence, career opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging and purpose after completing the courses.
Read at www.bbc.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]