This is a clip from the CSJ's Annual Awards from this July. The charity gaining the Award was Blue Sky. <br /><br />Blue Sky started in 2005 based on research from the Social Exclusion Unit's 2002 report highlighting the high levels of re-offending ex-prisoners and the importance of having a job and family support in order to prevent re-offending. <br /><br />It's success is obvious. From a sample of 150 ex-offenders the Blue Sky programme, 55% went on to sustainable employment, 44% to employment or further education, 92% have bank accounts compared to 50% before hand. Only 13% have re-offended compared to a national average of 62% <br /><br />in addition to giving ex-prisoners a vital lifeline by providing employment and the opportunity to gain new skills, Blue Sky helps create sustainability and foster Hope and Confidence which is often lacking.
