This is a clip from the CSJ's Annual Awards from this July. The charity gaining the Award was Blue Sky.

Blue Sky started in 2005 based on research from the Social Exclusion Unit's 2002 report highlighting the high levels of re-offending ex-prisoners and the importance of having a job and family support in order to prevent re-offending.

It's success is obvious. From a sample of 150 ex-offenders the Blue Sky programme, 55% went on to sustainable employment, 44% to employment or further education, 92% have bank accounts compared to 50% before hand. Only 13% have re-offended compared to a national average of 62%

in addition to giving ex-prisoners a vital lifeline by providing employment and the opportunity to gain new skills, Blue Sky helps create sustainability and foster Hope and Confidence which is often lacking.