Lottery windfall will help more ex-offenders in Yorkshire

Our number has come up in the Big Lottery Fund’s recent round of grants. A successful application to their Reaching Communities programme means that St Giles Trust will be extending its successful Peer Advisor programme to other disadvantaged people in Leeds.

Volunteers and ex-service users in Leeds, with an aptitude and interest in helping others will have an opportunity to gain a Level 3 QCF Advice and Guidance qualification, to improve their skills and employment prospects whilst helping vulnerable people. This is a high level vocational qualification which is the industry standard for anyone wishing to work in the advice and guidance sector.

It will extend our existing Peer Advisor Programme in Yorkshire which is already training ex-offenders to help prison leavers and ex-offenders in the community. The project is for 3 years and will work in partnership with a range of charities and voluntary groups in Leeds who are signing up to host placements. The grant from the Big Lottery means we will be able to create further Peer Advisors who will volunteer with local partners as part of their training, increasing support for clients.

Chelcey Huxley, Manager of our Leeds Team, said:

“This is fantastic news. Since 2012, St Giles Trust has been supporting ex-offenders and vulnerable young people in Leeds to transform their lives and help others do the same. As a result, many of our clients have been helped into housing and employment – both key factors in helping reduce their likelihood of offending. The grant will help us develop this work further and help some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds.”