How we work – with young people

Since the scheme started in HMP Coldingley in 1996, in HMP Send in 2007 and HMP Lewes in 2011, some 15,000 young people have taken part in this unique crime diversion scheme – delivered by dedicated teams of serving prisoners inside UK prisons.

All actions have consequences

KeepOut sends a hugely powerful message to these young people. The prisoner teams set out the likely consequences if those attending the workshops continue to be involved in crime, or are thinking of becoming involved with criminal activity.

What better place to hear that message than in a prison – and to hear it from the people who have been deprived of their liberty? The prisoners speak with honesty and passion about the very negative consequences that their offending has had on their lives, their families and the victims of their crimes.

Interactive workshops

When young people attend any one of the programme options offered at HMP Coldingley and HMP Send, they are expected to participate in the interactive workshops. The prisoners who facilitate these workshops use tried and tested techniques and activities that young people find both informative, thought provoking and challenging.

Changing attitudes and behaviours

The aim is for the prisoner teams to impart as much accurate information as possible, and so make the young people aware of the real implications of their decisions. The way in which prisoners give personal testimonies of their life stories and the triggers to their offending behaviour makes a lasting impression. Both within the sessions and afterwards, many young people demonstrate the positive impact that the visit has had on both their attitudes and their behaviour.