KeepOut at HMP Coldingley

Our crime diversion scheme was launched at HMP Coldingley in 1996. Since the charity facilitated that first event in the Category C training prison, over 450 prisoners have been involved in its evolution into KeepOut and the development and delivery of the weekly programmes.

Each week, the KeepOut team at HMP Coldingley provides young people with information to make informed choices not to offend. The professionally developed programmes we offer are aimed at young people who are already engaged in a programme of intervention or prevention.

We run or co-ordinate low, medium and high risk programmes for young people at HMP Coldingley view here.

KeepOut provides a full-time work based location for to up to seven prisoners at any one time. In addition, the scheme enables other prisoners to work as volunteers on the one-day intervention events. Core training is designed to equip the prisoner team with the skills and competencies necessary to work with very challenging young people in a safe and professional manner.

This supports the prison’s goal to provide a framework that supports the achievement of realistic resettlement goals (in accordance with Pathways two and seven of Reducing re-offending: National Action Plan). Prisoners who are willing to work hard and accept responsibility for achieving those goals find challenging and motivational training with KeepOut.

This is what was achieved with young people and prisoners by KeepOut at HMP Coldingley in 2009-2010:

• 111 different groups participated in the programme

• 729 young people attended prison workshops

• 3 male prisoners achieved full NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance

• 2 male prisoners achieved units of Level 3 NVQ programme in Advice and Guidance

• 16 male prisoners received accreditation for training in a range of skills, including: safeguarding children and young people; group work; programme planning and evaluation processes; facilitation skills; drama skills; conflict resolution.