New Life Fund
The New Life Fund was launched in July 2019, working alongside Charles Watt, a former High Sheriff of Norfolk, the Department for Work and Pensions and HMP Norwich. The purpose of the fund is to improve the life chances of released ex-offenders and help them to have a ‘New Life’.
Why was it established?
Charles Watt, former High Sheriff of Norfolk, recognised that there were several agencies involved in supporting former offenders but that additional funding and a much more collaborative approach to providing support was needed.
Those released from Norfolk Prisons often need support at different points along the pathway – whether to secure short-term housing, gain training and qualifications, secure independent longer-term housing, prepare for and secure employment – all with the aim of helping them to turn their lives around.
The New Life Fund and a New Life Panel of agency representatives were formed to help secure the additional, flexible and immediate funding required to support ex-offenders along this pathway.
“Norfolk is a very fortunate county blessed with a considerable number of statutory and voluntary organisations dedicated to helping former offenders establish a New Life. It is hugely beneficial both for the individual and for the county as a whole that we make every possible effort to help men and women upon their return to the wider world after release from prison. One of our key aims is to bring together all of the charitable support that is available, providing funding quickly when the need is urgent or when it falls outside statutory criteria.”
Charles Watt, Former High Sheriff of Norfolk
What can the fund help with?
The New Life Fund aims to provide a fast and flexible approach through initial funding support, via third party charitable organisations, for former offenders deemed vulnerable and in need of bursary assistance throughout their first two-years after release.
The Fund can support ex-offenders facing a range of issues, including:
- Those who need to gain the necessary life-skills, training and qualifications to enter the world of employment
- Those who are unable to provide right to work documents
- Those who cannot afford a deposit for accommodation
Importantly, this bursary fund has been established to pay for items that cannot be funded by other agencies, such as:
- Temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfast accommodation for short periods, rental deposits or to furnish living accommodation
- Sundry items, such as mobile phones, specific workwear or tools, interview clothes, transportation (when the DWP cannot supply, or time is of the essence), identification documentation, etc
Who can apply and how?
The Fund will offer bursary support to ex-offenders from HMP Norwich and HMP Wayland, as identified by the prison as being vulnerable and in need of additional support, who are resettling in Norfolk.
Applications must be made by an approved organisation, including: Probation, the DWP, Action Community Enterprises CIC and Hope Into Action. Individuals in need of support should consult with their probation officer in the first instance, or another organisation they are being supported by.
The panel welcomes the opportunity to support other Norfolk-based organisations that are working with former offenders, so please get in touch if you work with former offenders in need of support from this Fund.
Grants of up to £2,000 per New Life participant are available and can be allocated across multiple items per participant if required.
All applicants should check that they meet NCF’s general eligibility criteria.
Interested? Talk to Corrie
