Project aims to reduce sex crime reoffending
An innovative project which aims to reduce the incidence of sexual abuse and sexual violence in Devon and Cornwall communities is one of the recipients of funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg’s small grant scheme.
The grant of almost £5,000 has enabled Circles South West to recruit and train 25 new volunteers.
Circles South West (CSW) is an independent charity that works in partnership with public protection agencies across the peninsula to reduce sexual abuse and sexual violence.
This innovative community response sees local volunteers provide 'circles’ of support and accountability to monitor sex offenders living in communities, holding them to account for their past behaviour and supporting them to lead law-abiding lives.
In total 25 volunteers will receive professional training which will equip them for their role.
Jo Burden, project director, said: “The training funded by the PCC will equip the community volunteers to carry out their role of circles volunteer.
“A 'circle' comprises of between four and six community volunteers who are trained, supported and supervised by professionals to work with a ‘core member' (convicted sexual offender) who is referred by their probation or police offender manager and they volunteer to join the circle.
“The circle meets frequently for 12–18 months, assisting the core member to establish an independent law-abiding lifestyle.
“Volunteers both encourage the core member and hold him/her to account. The aim is to provide social support, reduce their isolation, and improve social and life skills in a bid to stop them re-offending.”
Tony Hogg said his office recognised that, after their release from custody, sexual offenders faced significant challenges such as extreme social isolation and emotional loneliness which in themselves are triggers for re-offending.
“The innovation of the circles model is its mobilisation of volunteers as the core element of the solution to a profoundly damaging community problem,” said Mr Hogg.
“The circle holds the offender to account for their behaviour but also helps them to develop ways to reduce their risk of committing further offences and to integrate appropriately in their community through activities like voluntary work/employment and other ways of using their time constructively.”
Round two of the small grant scheme has recently been opened to applications. In this round 40 per cent of the overall sum has been ring-fenced for projects which deal with the harm caused by alcohol.
For more information and to download the application form go to the OPCC website.
The closing date for applications is the end of May 2013 and awards will be made in early July.
Anyone unable to download the application form should contact Ruth Eyles (small grants administrator) on 01392 430228 or by email to pccsmallgrantscheme@gmail.com or by post:PCC Small Grant Funding Administrator, c/o Community Housing Aid, Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AN.
