KeepOut, the first crime diversion scheme for young people at risk or already committing crime, delivered by serving prisoners

KeepOut is unique. This is the first ever crime diversion scheme to be delivered by dedicated teams of serving prisoners – managed by civilian staff – inside UK prisons. These prisoners are trained by KeepOut to run intervention programmes for young people that inform, support and divert those between 13 and 17 who are either at risk of entering the criminal justice system or are already involved in criminal activity.

We currently operate within HMP Coldingley at Bisley in Surrey – where Category C male prisoners work with 13 to 17 year olds – and at HMP Send near Ripley, Surrey, with female prisoners delivering programmes to 13 to 17 year olds (ages inclusive). Founded in 1996 by a prisoner nearing the end of his life sentence, KeepOut has proven success in changing attitudes and behaviours. We now work with around 1,500 young people each year. They travel from across the south-east and London to take part in KeepOut workshops and learning and education role play within these two prisons. Our newly launched scheme at HMP Lewes is now accepting bookings from groups across Sussex.

Diverting young people from crime, in ways that train and rehabilitate offenders, is what makes KeepOut unique.