We were delighted to host Sue Mountstevens, Police and Crime Commission for Avon and Somerset, at our House of St. Martin project in Taunton on 2nd June. Ms Mountstevens visited the project to learn more about our work with ex-offenders and about an initiative the PCC has funded, ‘Ways to Work.’

‘Ways to Work’, which is being run in partnership with Clean Sheet, will provide residents with skills to access employment opportunities. One of the great benefits of the scheme is the access to a bank of employers who are willing to consider ex-offender applicants. Securing a job after prison can be one of the hardest things to do even though having employment is a key factor in stopping future offending.

Speaking about the visit, Carolyne van Agen, Project Manager at House of St. Martin said, “It was a benefit to meet Sue. It was really important to be able to express what we do which makes a significant difference to men turning their lives around after prison. It was very encouraging that she could grasp and give understanding of our work both in the project and in the community.”