Using sports and fitness to drive social change
Reducing Recidivism Services
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Monthly Consultations at HMP/YOI: We offer ongoing support and guidance that is tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of offenders.
We regularly visit HMP/YOI facilities to identify potential candidates for our programme and to engage with offenders who are nearing the end of their prison sentences.
Our goal is to connect these individuals with mentors and advisors who have successfully started businesses after leaving prison. This provides invaluable lived experiences and guidance that can aid in their successful reintegration into society.
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Offenders referred to MEM Academy for assistance in accessing accredited fitness courses. MEM Academy supports ex- offenders to access and enrol onto a range of accredited courses including level 2 and 3 Fitness qualifications.
Provision of Fitness Equipment: MEM Academy provides each participant who receives their fitness qualification with £450 worth of fitness equipment to facilitate the launch of their coaching business.
Employment: MEM Academy support service users in locating self-employment opportunities within local gyms. MEM Academy offers youth work employment opportunity within our community youth crime prevention project.
Comprehensive Support for Success: We adopt a holistic approach, equipping ex-offenders with skills, resources, and opportunities. Our aim is to enable successful self-employment careers. Ultimately contributes to breaking the cycle of re- offending.
Empowering Futures: MEM Academy's Impact in Criminal Justice Reform
In the years spanning from 2017 to 2019, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, MEM Academy took meaningful strides in the realm of criminal justice reform. Through a successful partnership with Penrose London CRC and Bounce Back Resettlement, we implemented a weekly mentoring programme at HMP Pentonville, Wandsworth, and YOI Isis.
This collaborative initiative underscores our commitment to working with strategic partners, pooling resources to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals navigating the criminal justice system.
Our tailored consultation programme had a specific focus: offering valuable support and guidance to offenders on the brink of release, particularly those harbouring aspirations of establishing careers in fitness coaching. Through consistent and personalised consultation sessions, our goal was to nurture personal growth and reignite aspirations for a brighter future.
A pivotal facet of our programme involved aiding ex-offenders in accessing accredited courses, predominantly within the fitness sector. This support aimed to furnish them with valuable skills and qualifications, bolstering their employability prospects upon reintegration into society.
By concentrating on accredited courses within the fitness domain, we sought to empower ex-offenders with opportunities for sustainable self-employment, fostering positive lifestyles, and creating pathways to success in a burgeoning industry.
Our collaboration with Penrose London CRC and Bounce Back Resettlement exemplifies our dedication to working hand-in-hand with organisations that share the common objectives of reducing reoffending rates and facilitating successful reintegration.
Despite the unforeseen challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, our dedication to our mission remains unwavering. We express gratitude to our partners at City Bridge for awarding £36,000 over three years towards our prison programme. This support has been instrumental in enabling us to carry out impactful work, and we eagerly anticipate building on these successes in the future.
