GET TO KNOW REDEMPTION'S LEAD CASEWORKER

Farah is the driving force behind our social impact at Redemption. Working hard behind the scenes to support participants of our training programmes, both in the community and in prison, into employment. Providing unique holistic support for a smooth integration back into the community.

She is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead, which means she is responsible for Redemption's safeguarding policy and implementation.

We sat down for a classic flat white and a catch up with Farah about her role at Redemption.

How does Redemption support individuals into employment?

Redemption supports individuals into employment by providing foundational Barista training. This provides the basic tools for participants to begin work in the coffee industry. As well as the practical lessons around coffee making, participants can access an employment pathway to develop soft skills such a communication, customer service and time management.

Aside from coffee Redemption offers those individuals 1-1s support from our impact team.

What does a day look like in your role?

One thing I love about my job is that no day is the same. A typical day could range from visiting our participants at work in one of our shops or checking in with staff on how things are progressing with a participant. I also frequently visit our prison training facilities, to support anyone who may be coming up for release. I assist with organising stable housing, universal credit claims and generally looking after people's wellbeing.

How do we change the narrative around employing individuals with a criminal record?

There are lots of misconceptions around individuals who may have committed crime. It's easy to label individuals with a record as a criminal. Often people are not willing to look beyond this label. The reality is that many people who have committed crime and serve prison sentences are themselves often vulnerable and experience an enormous amount of adversity. This doesn’t even include the high levels of poverty, substance misuse, and school exclusions that also make a life of crime more probable.

As society we need to radically shift the narrative around people who have criminal records including those who have been to prison. Our communities are not made safer if we fail to allow people to reintegrate into the community after committing a crime.

We miss out on some of the collective skills that people with criminal records have if we exclude them from employment. Our communities are more enriched by diversity of experiences and skill sets and people with criminal records have an enormous amount to offer.

People deserve to be able integrate back into society once they have served their time. By enabling people to change we create a safer more caring society one in which we all benefit.'