Do you take self referrals?

Yes, we do take self referrals. Individuals may approach us for help and advice on matters such as finding accommodation, finding a church, preparing for the world of employment or gaining the skills needed for a particular job.

Can you give me a job and find me accommodation?

We have the names of organisations that help you to find work, for example government job centres.

We have links with benefit offices and housing agencies throughout the country – through these contacts we are able to help individuals find suitable accommodation.

Through our contacts and partnerships with private and voluntary organisations we have access to opportunities for permanent housing, job training schemes and employment.

Do I have to have done Alpha to contact and use the Caring for Ex-Offenders office?

No. We want to help support anyone who approaches us to be linked to a church. We provide advice and guidance on all matters concerned with the resettlement of ex-offenders.

Can I contact the housing or employment agencies directly myself?

Yes. The Caring for Ex-Offenders office facilitates the link between agencies providing housing and employment, churches and rehabilitation centres. We have access to a wide number of organisations and agencies offering varied services. Some of these agencies require referral from registered bodies such as CFEO.

Do you work with organisations that are not faith-based?

Yes, we work with government bodies, the police, probation services and all involved in the criminal justice system. We also work with many voluntary and charitable organisations offering similar and complementary services to our own. Our foundations are in the Alpha for Prisons course, from which we have links with over 750 churches nationally.

Working with ex-offenders, we have developed relationships with local housing agencies, organisations providing rehabilitation etc and employment agencies.

We have been approached by other faith-based organisations to provide training and advice on working with ex-offenders.

What is the Alpha course?

The Alpha course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues relating to the Christian faith. For further information visit: alphacourse.org

I want to move into an area away from where I was sentenced. Can you help with this?

Yes, through our national links with churches and national housing agencies, we will do what we can to help you find accommodation throughout the country.

In what ways are you working with the Community Chaplaincy and Resettlement teams?

Our volunteers liaise with prison staff regarding release dates of prisoners. Individual needs and options for resettlement are discussed prior to release in order to prepare a suitable package of support for individuals. CFEO staff communicate with prison staff with the aim of providing the link between prison life and release back into the community.