transforming lives birmingham universityevaluation

CONTENTS

TRANSFORMING LIVES

An independent evaluation of the Transforming Lives project delivered

by Crossroads Trust

AUGUST 2015 Aut

hor:

Rach

el E

ggin

ton

BSc

(Hon

s)

CONTENTS1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 2. THE ORGANISATION 4

2.1 TRANSFORMING LIVES 4

3. THE EVALUATION 5 3.1 PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION 5

3.2 EVALUATION QUESTIONS 5

4. PEER MENTORING 7 WHAT IS PEER MENTORING? 7

PEER MENTORING IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM 8

MAKING PEER MENTORING SUCCESSFUL 9

5. METHODOLOGY 11 5.1 PARTICIPANTS 11

5.2 ETHICS 11

5.3 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS 11

6. ANALYSIS 13 6.1 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS 13

6.2 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS 24

7. RESULTS 26 7.1 CLIENT QUESTIONS 26

7.2 MENTOR QUESTIONS 28

7.3 COMMUNITY QUESTIONS 29

8. DISCUSSION 31 8.1 RECOMMENDATIONS 31

8.2 CONCLUSION 33

9. REFERENCES 34 APPENDICIES 36

APPENDIX A 37

APPENDIX B 38

APPENDIX C 40

Report: Transforming Lives Project Evaluation

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY An external independent evaluation of the Crossroads Trust’s Transforming Lives project was undertaken. Participants who took part in the evaluation included clients, mentors and members of the community. The range of participants involved in the evaluation allowed the impact of the Transforming Lives project to be evaluated from several different angles. The evaluation used both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis to enable a thorough exploration of the impact and outcomes of the Transforming Lives project. The findings of the evaluation have been overwhelmingly positive and the success of the Transforming Lives project is clear. Transforming Lives has enabled ex-offenders to change their lives for the better and has provided the crucial support to those who are motivated to desist from re-offending. The project has also provided opportunities to mentors in terms of t r a i n i n g , s k i l l d e v e l o p m e n t a n d employability. Members of the community have had a positive experience of Transforming Lives and have noted how the

project has supported ex-offenders in b e c o m i n g m o r e a c t i ve w i t h i n t h e community. The Project has changed community members’ perception of working with ex-offenders, positively reducing stigma.

The Transforming Lives project has delivered positive outcomes for all people involved with the project and this is evidenced through the analysis and results section of the evaluation. A number of recommendations have been made in relation to how the Transforming Lives project can be developed in the future so that even more people can benefit from the excellent service which is currently being provided. Overall the Transforming Lives project has been highly successful and is operated and managed professionally to a high standard. The findings of the evaluation demonstrate the clear need for t h e s e r v i c e a n d h i g h l i g h t t h e developmental potential of the project for the future.


2. THE ORGANISATION The Crossroads Trust is an outreach mentoring and befriending service supporting ex-offenders being released to the local community. The Trust also supports individuals with criminal convictions in the community struggling to cope. The Crossroads Trust has a focus on helping low risk offenders. The service provides information, advice, signposting and practical support to clients with criminal records many of whom have received custodial or community based sentences. They offer a mentoring and befriending service helping clients to access local services and promote social inclusion to help them make a positive contribution to society. Many of their clients have complex problems including mental well-being, substance misuse, and debt issues. Literacy and numeracy is also an issue for many and support is needed with completing benefit applications, job searches, and preparing for job interviews; as well as support with financial capability issues.

From their research and focus groups clients have told the Trust that many ex-offenders are in urgent need of a helping hand especially following release from prison. Potential clients need to know what help and support is available to them to help them become independent and make a positive contribution to society.

2.1 TRANSFORMING LIVES

The Transforming Lives Project is funded by a small grant from Awards for All through the Big Lottery Fund. It is an innovative way of helping to reduce re-offending rates in Warwickshire and promote safer communities. The Trust provides accredited mentoring training for dedicated volunteers from the communities of North Warwickshire to support its clients. Some of the Trusts volunteer mentors have had personal experience of the criminal justice system themselves and successfully turned their lives around for the better.

The overall aim of this project is to provide released offenders resettling to North Warwickshire with support to achieve their goal of desisting from re-offending through a model of peer-led support. Released offenders face many barriers to maintaining a crime free lifestyle and the added support they receive from a peer who can act as role model as well as agent of practical change around issues such as improving life skills, finding meaningful employment, accommodation and financial capability management will contribute to a reduction in re-offending rates.


3. THE EVALUATION 3.1 PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION

The purpose of the evaluation is to independently assess the impact and outcomes of the Transforming Lives project upon clients, mentors and the community. The evaluation has been funded by Santander Universities, through the Enterprising Internships scheme run by the University of Birmingham. The author of the evaluation is an MA Social Work student from the University of Birmingham and therefore is independent of Crossroads Trust. The author has been funded through the internship scheme, not by Crossroads Trust and therefore the evaluation will be objective. The findings of the evaluation aim to assist in the development of the project, including improving the operational aspects and sustainability of the project.

For the purpose of this evaluation, ‘client’ will be used to describe an individual with a criminal conviction who has accessed the Transforming Lives project to be either mentored or befriended. ‘Mentor’ will be used to describe an individual who has trained as a mentor for the Transforming Lives project and who may or may not have a criminal conviction. Community impact will be assessed through obtaining information from various local organisations who have worked with Crossroads Trust and/or some of the clients of the Transforming Lives project. These participants will be referred to as ‘community members’.

3.2 EVALUATION QUESTIONS

The questions which the evaluation has sought to answer have been compiled from the objectives of the Transforming Lives project as set out both in the project brief and in the Awards for All (Big Lottery Fund) funding application, from where the funding for the project was obtained. The questions can be divided into three categories, respective to the three groups which the project set out to impact upon: clients, mentors and the community.

CLIENT QUESTIONS

1. Has the Transforming Lives project reduced the likelihood of clients re-offending? 2. Have clients been provided with the support needed to reintegrate into the community and to be more active within their community? 3. Has the support received by clients been tailored to their needs? 4. Have mentors been positive role models for clients? 5. Has the Transforming Lives project supported clients to achieve outcomes in relation to: improved life skills, positive thinking, employment, financial capability, qualifications and training? 6. What factors contribute to successful outcomes for clients?


MENTOR QUESTIONS

1. Have mentors been given sufficient training to be able to fulfil their role? 2. Have mentors been provided with appropriate support within their role? 3. Has being a mentor for the Transforming Lives project enabled mentors to achieve outcomes in relation to: improved life skills, positive thinking, confidence, employment, qualifications and training? 4. Has the mentoring training been evaluated and accredited?

COMMUNITY QUESTIONS

1. Has Crossroads Trust made positive connections with organisations, employers and the community which will benefit clients accessing the Transforming Lives project? 2. Have the links which Crossroads Trust have made with organisations, employers and the community had an impact on people’s perceptions and/or reducing discrimination of people with criminal convictions? 3. Have clients become more active citizens within their community as a result of their involvement with the Transforming Lives project? 4. How has the Transforming Lives project been managed and operated?

The evaluation aims to examine each of the questions to see whether the outcomes set out in the funding application and project brief have been fulfilled by the Transforming Lives project. The findings in relation to the evaluation questions will be explored in the results section of the evaluation.


4. PEER MENTORING WHAT IS PEER MENTORING?

Mentoring is defined by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation (2014) as: ‘a voluntary, mutually beneficial and purposeful relationship in which an individual gives time to support another to enable them to make changes in their life’.

In a systematic meta-analysis of mentoring interventions, Tolan et al. (2008) go a step further and give four key characteristics which define mentoring:

1. Interaction between two individuals over an extended period of time 2. Inequality of experience, knowledge, or power between the mentor and mentee (recipient), with the mentor possessing the greater share 3. The mentee is in a position to imitate and benefit from the knowledge, skill, ability, or experience of the mentor 4. The absence of the role inequality that typifies other helping relationships and is marked by professional training, certification, or predetermined status differences such as parent-child or teacher-student relationships

In essence what both of these definitions are highlighting is that a mentor will help a mentee to make positive changes by providing the mentee with a positive role model and the support they require over a prolonged period of time. Whilst the mentor may possess a greater amount of knowledge or experience, the power dynamic in the mentoring relationship is different to other types of relationships because the mentor is voluntarily giving time to support the mentee, rather than being obliged to provide this support. The features of mentoring described in these definitions are applicable to peer mentoring, however peer mentoring is slightly different in that the nature of the mentor is more specific. In peer mentoring, the mentor has had similar experiences to the mentee and because of this it is suggested that the mentor will be better placed to understand and empathise with the mentee than a non-peer mentor (Finnegan et al., 2010).

Sharing similar experiences may bring a different dynamic to the peer mentor-mentee relationship which could mean that mentees feel that there is less of a role inequality with a peer mentor compared to a non-peer mentor. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2003) have found that mentees are able to form more genuine and lasting relationships with peer mentors compared to non-peer mentors or other support services. They found that this is due to mentees believing that peer mentors are more credible because they are able to empathise and understand their situation. The literature that is currently available in relation to mentoring is often not specific to peer mentoring. Literature which is available is usually in the form of evaluations of specific mentoring projects which have been run, although there is some government research which has been done on a larger scale. Therefore the literature review will be somewhat limited due to the amount of relevant literature that is available with regards to peer mentoring and ex-offenders.


PEER MENTORING IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Peer mentoring clearly has an application to individuals being released from prison whom have a desire to make positive changes and desist from re-offending. The Ministry of Justice (2013) have highlighted the effectiveness of peer mentoring in providing support for ex-offenders and also having the potential to reduce re-offending rates. As well as peer mentoring, the Ministry of Justice (2013) have commented on the importance of ex-offenders receiving support with housing, employment, alcohol and substance misuse issues, and mental health problems. Even if peer mentors cannot provide direct support with all of these issues, they can signpost mentees to enable them to access further support meaning that peer mentors can provide support for ex-offenders on a wide variety of issues (Celinska, 2000).

Aitken (2014) explains the role which peer mentoring can play in the criminal justice system and further reiterates elements seen as important for ex-offenders by the Ministry of Justice: ‘Mentoring is a voluntary relationship of engagement, encouragement and trust. Its immediate priority is to offer support, guidance and practical assistance to offenders in the vulnerable period around their release. Its longer term purpose is to help them find a stable lifestyle in which accommodation, employment, ties with family and friends, and a growing two-way relationship with the mentor all play their part in preventing a return to re-offending.’

Studies which have examined mentoring programmes have demonstrated the effectiveness of mentoring in providing support for ex-offenders and reducing re-offending rates. Fletcher and Batty (2012) found that peer mentoring of ex-offenders helped to increase confidence and self-esteem in ex-offenders as well as providing them with support to get back into employment and reintegrate into society. Wadia and Parkinson (2015) also found peer mentoring to have positive effects. They evaluated two mentoring programmes which began in prison and continued to provide support for ex-offenders upon release from prison. They found that mentors were able to provide ex-offenders with the support they required and that for those who had a peer mentor specifically, they valued the empathy and understanding that the peer mentor provided. Joliffe and Farrington (2007) analysed 18 different evaluations of mentoring programmes for ex-offenders and provide further support for the positive impact of mentoring. They also found that mentoring was most effective when meetings between mentors and mentees were longer in duration and more frequent which highlights the importance and value of the relationship for mentees.

As well as mentees valuing the relationship they have developed with their mentor, studies have also found that mentors also value the relationship. Research shows that the mentoring process can be beneficial and have positive impacts for mentors as well as for mentees. Philip and Hendry (2000) looked at the experiences of mentors from a variety of different mentoring projects and organisations. They found that mentors felt that the mentoring process had helped them to improve their interpersonal skills and had deepened their understanding of other people. Mentors felt satisfied that they were able to support mentees and the experience also helped them to make sense of some of their own past experiences. Kavanagh and Borrill (2013) explored the experiences of ex-offender peer mentors and found that the mentors found the mentoring process empowering and emotionally rewarding. They also found that being a peer mentor helped to improve the ex-


offenders skills and self-esteem and that the mentors valued the relationship they developed with the mentee. St Giles Trust (2014) highlights the benefits to mentors in terms of training and qualifications. Through their skills and employment project, mentors were able to gain qualifications which not only enabled them to provide support for mentees, but also helped to improve their own employability.

In conclusion, the literature that is available in relation to peer mentoring for ex-offenders very much supports the effectiveness of this method in enabling ex-offenders to make positive changes and desist from re-offending. There are certain aspects of mentoring programmes which have been identified in the literature that contribute to peer mentoring being effective and also aspects which make mentoring less effective. It is useful and important to be able to take these aspects into account when designing or evaluating mentoring interventions.

MAKING PEER MENTORING SUCCESSFUL

Within the literature, a number of common features have been identified which are important for peer mentoring to be most productive.

1. Working in partnership with criminal justice agencies (Clinks and MBF, 2012; Aitken, 2014; Wadia and Parkinson, 2015). Having a good relationship with criminal justice agencies is useful in terms of obtaining referrals and also sharing information appropriately in relation to support required and also potential risk. Having access to referrals and information enables effective operation of mentoring programmes.

2. Matching mentors and mentees appropriately (Clinks and MBF, 2012; Aitken, 2014; Wadia and Parkinson, 2015). Matching mentees to mentors who can provide the most effective support is important for the mentoring relationship to be successful. Mentees who felt that there mentors understood their needs had more positive outcomes.

3. Monitoring and evaluating the mentoring programme (Huggins, 2010; Clinks and MBF, 2012; Aitken, 2014). Having a clear method of operation in mentoring programmes and being able to monitor and evaluate the operation is important if programmes are to be sustainable.

4. Mentoring is most effective when it is ‘through the gate’ (Huggins, 2010; Ministry of Justice, 2013; Aitken, 2014; Wadia and Parkinson, 2015). ‘Through the gate’ mentoring is where mentoring begins before the ex-offender leaves prison and then continues once they are released into the community. Studies have found ‘through the gate’ mentoring to be more effective than just mentoring once ex-offenders have left prison.

5. The mentor-mentee relationship is maintained over an extended period of time and there is frequent contact between the mentor and mentee (Ministry of Justice, 2013; Aitken, 2014). Mentees who had longer lasting relationships with their mentors had


more positive outcomes than those who had shorter relationships and who had less contact with their mentor.

The five features identified from the literature which contribute to successful mentoring programmes will be important when evaluating the Transforming Lives project. The extent to which these features are evident within the Transforming Lives project will be explored within the discussion section of the evaluation


5. METHODOLOGY 5.1 PARTICIPANTS

There were three participant groups that took part in the evaluation: clients, mentors and community members. Crossroads Trust provided a database of clients, mentors and community members who had been involved in the Transforming Lives project and potential participants were contacted by phone and or email to ask whether they would like to take part in the evaluation.

Nine clients, nine mentors and six community members who had been involved with the Transforming Lives project were available to be contacted at the time of the evaluation, although more than nine clients had been involved with the project. One client was unable to be contacted due to having changed contact details, however all other clients agreed to take part in the evaluation. Two of the clients who agreed to take part ended up being unable to do so due to personal difficulties at the time the evaluation was taking place so six clients in total participated in the evaluation. Two mentors did not respond to the emails or phone calls but all other mentors did and agreed to take part, meaning that seven mentors participated. All six of the community members responded to the phone calls and consequently took part in the evaluation. Therefore 19 out of a possible 24 participants took part in the evaluation which was a good response rate.

5.2 ETHICS

Before taking part in the evaluation, participants were given an information sheet explaining the purpose of the evaluation. The information sheet also explained that participants’ data would be kept anonymous and confidential and that participants have the right to withdraw their data at any time should they wish to do so. Participants were also given the opportunity to ask any questions about the evaluation both before and after participating and before signing the information sheet to give their fully informed consent to take part in the evaluation. A copy of the information sheet can be found in Appendix A.

5.3 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the evaluation but the primary research method used was semi-structured interviews which took place either in person, over the phone or via email. The questions used in the interviews were devised from the evaluation questions. Different questions were devised for clients, mentors and the community; copies of each interview question sheet used can be found in Appendix B. Although the questions provided the basis for the interviews, if a participant wished to expand their views beyond the remit of a question then these views were explored and the


data was recorded. The interviews were recorded by the interviewer in a written format at the time of the interview.

A Likert scale questionnaire was also used in the evaluation with clients only as a way of quantitatively assessing whether the Transforming Lives project answered the evaluation questions or not. The questionnaire was comprised of 13 statements and the scale had seven points ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Statements used in the questionnaire were also devised from the evaluation questions. A copy of the questionnaire used can be found in Appendix C.


6. ANALYSIS 6.1 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data gathered from clients, mentors and community members. A model (figure 1) was devised as part of this process and this helps to illustrate the outcomes of the analysis. Thematic analysis is a method commonly used in research to analyse qualitative data and can be defined as:

“a method for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns (themes) within data…frequently it goes further than this, and interprets various aspects of the research topic” Braun and Clarke (2006).

As a result of the analysis five key themes were identified which capture peoples’ experiences of the Transforming Lives project. The key themes and their interactions are shown in the diagram (figure 1). Each of the key themes has several sub themes which illustrate the different aspects captured within each theme. A central theme was also identified which links the five key themes together. The arrows shown in the diagram highlight the connection of each theme to the central theme of ‘Need for the unique service provided by Crossroads Trust’ and also the links between certain themes.

‘Support’ is linked to ‘development’, ‘changing perceptions’ and ‘professionalism’. ‘Support’ and ‘development’ are linked bilaterally. The support provided to clients and mentors enables them to develop and grow both as people and in terms of skills and employability. From the other direction, development of clients and mentors will enable more support to be provided and this support will be more effective. This is because the development of mentors will mean they are better equipped to support clients and the development of clients may lead to the transition from client to mentor, hence creating more support opportunities for new clients.

‘Support’ and ‘changing perceptions’ are also linked bilaterally. Providing clients with support to enable them to make positive changes in their lives and become more active citizens will evidence the effectiveness of peer mentoring and that people with criminal convictions are able to make changes. If people are able to see the positive effects of the support provided then this may change their perceptions of ex-offenders. From the other direction, by changing people’s perceptions of ex-offenders and enabling them to have a greater understanding of offending and peer mentoring this could help facilitate a more supportive community for ex-offenders to be a part of. Therefore, through ‘changing perceptions’ people with criminal convictions will be better supported to make positive changes.

Finally, ‘support’ is also linked to ‘professionalism’ in a unilateral direction. The professional running of Crossroads Trust and the Transforming Lives project will mean that the support provided to both clients and mentors will be of a high standard. High standards of support are likely to facilitate more effective development of clients and mentors which in turn will


mean that outcomes will be more positive and hence changing peoples’ perceptions of ex-offenders is more likely.

‘Changing perceptions’ is linked bilaterally to both ‘development’ and ‘resilience’. The more that clients and mentors are able to develop, the more positive outcomes there will be. Evidence of development and positive outcomes is likely to facilitate changing peoples’ perceptions of ex-offenders. From the other direction, if peoples’ perceptions of ex-offenders within their community are positive then this will create a more favourable environment for ex-offenders to be able to develop.

In terms of ‘resilience’, the more peoples’ perceptions of ex-offenders change, the less resilient ex-offenders will need to be. This is because if people have a greater understanding of offending and ex-offenders’ motivation to change then they are less likely to stigmatise and isolate ex-offenders. However, from the other direction, it is important that ex-offenders remain resilient so that despite the discrimination and adversity they are faced with, they continue to make positive changes and become more active citizens. The more positive and active they become the more evidence there will be to use to try and change peoples’ perceptions of ex-offenders. All themes are connected to ‘Need for the unique service provided by Crossroads Trust’ because the content of each theme encompasses all the components which make the


service provided through Transforming Lives unique. Each theme also highlights the need for this service and the undertones of gratitude and positive impact throughout evidences this need. The ‘Need for the unique service provided by Crossroads Trust’ is clearly evidenced below in the analysis of each theme and the interview data which support this analysis. However, the quote below gives a good summary of the findings of the evaluation and shed a light on how people have experienced Transforming Lives and Crossroads Trust. The need for the services which Crossroads Trust provide to enable people with criminal convictions to lead an offence-free lifestyle and support them in making positive changes is absolutely essential, and this is demonstrated throughout the analysis.

“The team are so approachable and have gone out of their way to get under the skin of clients and go that extra mile, it must light the fire inside some ex-offenders. The passion and energy they work with deserves medals. What Crossroads are doing is wonderful, they are like the yellow pages for consultation within peer mentoring. They have a much more bespoke approach compared to the one size fits all service provided by other organisations.”

Jonathan Robinson, author and journalist

SUPPORT

The theme of ‘support’ was derived from the sub themes of ‘practical emotional and social support’, ‘empathy and understanding’, ‘genuine, real people’, and ‘clients and mentors’. The theme of ‘support’ highlights the nature of the support provided through the Transforming Lives project to both clients and mentors. Clients have expressed a high amount of gratitude towards Transforming Lives for the support they have received and often what has been pinpointed as the strength of the support is how the people providing the support are real and genuine. This value placed upon the realness of the people who are at the heart of Transforming Lives came across not just from clients but from mentors and community members also. The sub themes below provide evidence for the support provided through the Transforming Lives project.

Practical, emotional and social

Clients of the Transforming Lives project identified ways in which they had been supported by their peer mentors and Crossroads Trust. Although some clients were supported as distance clients, they still identified that they had received high levels of support from Transforming Lives. Clients identified that they had been supported practically, emotionally and socially.

“I have been going out and doing things with my mentor during the day such as going for a coffee and having a chat, I enjoy seeing them” Client 2

“She helped me get my birth certificate, bank account and driving license. She also helps me in terms of probation, knowing what I can and can’t do and explaining what things mean” Client 6 (distance)


“He will phone to see how I am” Client 8 (distance)

Empathy and understanding

Clients of the Transforming Lives project have emphasised the importance of mentors being able to understand their situation. They highlighted how valuable it is that peer mentors with criminal convictions are able to really put themselves in their shoes.

“He has a previous conviction so has been in that dark place and understands what it’s like” Client 7 (distance)

“I’ve got that thing in common with him because he was inside too” Client 5

One client who had made the transition from client to peer mentor commented on the importance of empathy for the mentoring role.

“I think it is important to have walked the same path as the mentee because you can’t understand what it’s like being in prison unless you’ve actually been there and done it” Client 1

Genuine, real people

Many of the participants interviewed, including clients, mentors, and members of other community organisations, commented on how the directors and anyone involved with Transforming Lives comes across as real and genuine. This was a particularly prevalent theme throughout the evaluation and seemed to be one aspect of Crossroads Trust which people really valued.

“They have given me hope that there is an organisation out there that is real and understands people in my situation” Client 7 (distance)

“I think the compassion that you can see in the directors is affective” Community member 24

Clients and mentors

As well as clients identifying support received through the Transforming Lives project (as evidenced under practical, emotional and social support), many of the mentors interviewed also commented that they had felt highly supported in their roles.

“The support they provide is brilliant, there is always someone to ring if I need to and there is no time limit or barriers to the support” Mentor 13

“The risk manager is always on the end of the phone and will answer emails you send her on the same day. She also offers supervision for the mentors.” Mentor 16

“I have felt very supported. The risk manager is there 24/7 when I need her.” Mentor 10


DEVELOPMENT

The theme of ‘development’ was derived from the sub themes of ‘confidence and self-esteem’, ‘skills’, ‘employability’, ‘opportunities’, and ‘transition from client to mentor’. The ‘development’ theme demonstrates the journey that people involved with Crossroads Trust have been on and how the Transforming Lives project has enabled both clients and mentors to develop in a number of ways. The sub themes below evidence the ways in which people have developed throughout their involvement with Transforming Lives and the impact that this has had on their lives.

Confidence and self-esteem

Clients consistently identified that working with their mentors helped to improve their confidence and self-esteem, which has enabled them to achieve their goals. Mentors have also commented that their own confidence has improved as a result of being a mentor.

“Crossroads have given me the belief and confidence in myself which enabled me to become self-employed.” Client 1

“I used to have low confidence and low self-esteem and I wouldn’t talk to anyone. Having responsibility given to me has helped improve my confidence and I am a completely different person now that I was before I got involved with Crossroads.” Mentor 10

“My mentor gives me more confidence and that helps me immensely.” Client 2

Skills

Both clients and mentors of the Transforming Lives project spoke about how their life skills had improved as a result of being involved with the project. Development of skills was a theme that was particularly prevalent among mentors, even for those who already had a great deal of both professional and personal experience.

“Being re-engaged has oiled my life skills. I revisited things such as safeguarding on the internet as a result of the training.” Mentor 12

“I have been given responsibilities, helped with my CV and given the encouragement to go back to university.” Mentor 10

“I have been on a cooking course through the project which meant I could make food for my friend.” Client 2

“It has helped me to develop my people skills.” Mentor 23


Employability

Improving employability is another key theme which came across from the interviews for both clients and mentors. Gaining employment was something which people clearly placed in high value when speaking about it during interviews and were extremely grateful for the support they had received which had enabled them to develop in this way.

“I have been able to get a new job through the training.” Mentor 16

“I have my own business now in second hand car sales and I’m willing to help others.” Client 5

“It gives me the experience I need to be able to get a job in the field in future.” Mentor 13

Opportunities

The amount of training available to both clients and mentors was one aspect mentioned by many of the people interviewed. Other opportunities provided by Transforming Lives were also identified, such as getting involved in other projects, being part of delivering training, and being able to use personal or professional experience in the Transforming Lives project.

“It has given me the opportunity to bring skills and experience from work and has given me the opportunity to work in a way that I wanted to in probation.” Mentor 12

“I am always learning and improving and have taken the opportunity to complete training when it has been available.” Client 1

“My mentor has helped me with looking for jobs and has also helped me get training.” Client 2

“I have been able to attend lots of different training, both internal and external and get involved with other projects too.” Mentor 13

Transition from client to mentor

One of the most powerful sub themes within the ‘development’ theme is the transition from client to mentor. Of the clients and mentors interviewed, two had made the transition from client to mentor. The sense of achievement that they have gained from this transition and the impact upon their lives has clearly been significant. The quotes below from these two individuals really capture this impact.

“I look forward to everything now. I think about what’s happening now and in the future rather than thinking about the past. I am not sure where I would be now if I hadn’t got involved with Crossroads.” Mentor 10

“There are no other organisations like Crossroads which help. They have given me the confidence I needed, especially through becoming a mentor because it meant they trusted me to work with others. I have more positive self-talk now and have belief in my own ability to help others.” Mentor 1


CHANGING PERCEPTIONS

The theme of ‘changing perceptions’ was derived from the sub themes of ‘training’, ‘active citizens’, ‘increasing understanding’ and, ‘motivation to change’. ‘Changing perceptions’ encompasses the ways in which the Transforming Lives project has had an impact on changing peoples’ perceptions of ex-offenders, including both community members and mentors.

Training

The training which has been developed and provided by Transforming Lives has been received well by many people. Most people who were interviewed had benefitted from training provided through the Transforming Lives project and it appears that Crossroads Trust have been keen to promote and provide this training for clients, mentors and community members. The training not only enabled mentors to feel equipped in their role as peer mentors but also had an impact on changing peoples’ perceptions of ex-offenders.

“Some of our staff benefitted from training put on by Crossroads and some of this training was delivered by ex-offenders. This did change staff perceptions of ex-offenders and has enabled them to work more effectively with some of our young adult clients.” Community member 21

“It is valuable to meet other types of people and the training really shows the importance of not judging people” Mentor 23

Active citizens

Transforming Lives has been able to work towards changing perceptions of ex-offenders is by supporting them to become more active citizens within their community. Community members have evidenced clients of the Transforming Lives project being more active within the community and this has been seen as a positive by those interviewed.

“I’ve seen the work done in the church garden by the clients and also one of the clients has helped with designing websites. They have helped put people’s skills to good use.” Community member 19

“We had a client from Crossroads and their mentor said that they needed help. We helped them get a debt relief order which has changed their life. She is now doing positive things in the community.” Community member 20

Increasing understanding

Through the Transforming Lives project, both mentor and community members’ understanding of ex-offenders has increased. This has been facilitated through a range of different methods including training, publicity and the connections Crossroads Trust have made with the local community.


“My personal views on prison and offenders has definitely changed as a result of meeting the operations manager. I wouldn’t have given them (ex-offenders) the time of day before but I understand their situation more now.” Community member 18

“It is good quality training and helps give an understanding of where people have come from.” Mentor 23

“They have very good staff who are good at making links within the community and sustaining those links. They have definitely made an impact as a new organisation.” Community member 21

“I look at things differently now, I’m not so narrow minded.” Mentor 13

Motivation to change

Clients’ motivation to change for the better was one theme that emerged from interviewing the clients. Enabling people in the community to see and understand this motivation has the potential to change perceptions, especially when coupled with evidence of ex-offenders being more active within the community.

“I want to do it the right way and this is something I worked out in prison.” Client 1

“The operations manager is trying to help people break the cycle and the work he is doing is wonderful.” Community member 18

“I decided I wanted a different life before my involvement with Crossroads. However, they have given me hope that there is an organisation out there that is real and understands people in my situation.” Client 7 (distance)

RESILIENCE

The theme of ‘resilience’ was derived from the sub themes of ‘lack of support from other organisations’, ‘isolation’, ‘stigma and discrimination’, and ‘overcoming crisis’. This theme refers to the resilience of both clients and also of Crossroads Trust as an organisation. For ex-offenders there will be many challenges to overcome in terms of stigma and discrimination and these challenges have also been true of Crossroads Trust as an organisation. However, despite the barriers placed in the way of ex-offenders and Crossroads Trust, they have been resilient and continued to challenge stigma and discrimination and make positive change.

Lack of support from other organisations

Clients have highlighted having very little support after being released from prison, with Transforming Lives being the only project which provided them with the support they needed. Despite having little support, clients have been very resilient and determined to make positive changes. Transforming Lives has also had a lack of support from some local


organisations, however, Crossroads Trust have persevered and utilised what support they have had to overcome this. “If they (ex-offenders) haven’t got other support as well as what we provide it won’t work so I can’t see any negatives of working with Crossroads. Some organisations have views on ex-offenders though and won’t work with them.” Community member 20

“I have had no help from probation or the job centre but I am very tenacious and will keep trying.” Client 7 (distance)

“There are no other agencies like Crossroads which help. You don’t get any support from prison really when you leave.” Client 1

Isolation

A theme among clients was one of being very isolated when leaving prison. Many clients stated that they did not really have a support network when leaving prison and that this coupled with the lack of support from services made them feel very isolated. Despite this isolation and lack of support, clients were still able to find positives and work towards making changes.

“I feel quite isolated because I’m not in work currently even though I am well educated and have lots of experience. I have no family so it’s nice just to be able to have a coffee and a conversation with someone.” Client 7 (distance)

“I came out of prison after 7 ½ years and I had nothing but I’ve always had a positive mental attitude. Crossroads helped me out with some clothes and gave me someone to talk to.” Client 5

Stigma and discrimination

Clients have highlighted the stigma and discrimination that comes along with having a criminal conviction. Despite being treated in unfair ways because of their convictions, clients have still persisted and made positive changes. Crossroads Trust as an organisation has also faced some of this stigma and discrimination, but this has meant that they have been better placed to understand how their clients may feel. Despite the barriers faced by Crossroads Trust they have still been able to make a success of the Transforming Lives project.

“The only negatives of Crossroads come from the discrimination they have faced from other organisations. If they do move to South Staffordshire as a result of this it will be a real loss to the area.” Community member 19

“I want an offence free existence but I am tarred with the same brush as everyone else with a conviction.” Client 7 (distance)

“The internal politics that are causing barriers to organisations like Crossroads need to be eradicated.” Jonathan Robinson, author and journalist.


Overcoming crisis

When interviewing clients of the Transforming Lives project, an overwhelming sense of gratitude was one thing which was particularly prevalent when asking clients about their experiences of Transforming Lives. This appreciation for the support clients had received was grown from the fact that before receiving support from Transforming Lives, many clients were in a state of crisis but Transforming Lives enabled them to overcome this crisis truly made a difference to their lives.

“If it hadn’t been for Crossroads then I don’t know if I would still be here. Crossroads are the only people who have ever helped me and I couldn’t believe how helpful they were.” Client 8 (distance)

“I am not sure where I would be now if I hadn’t got involved with Crossroads.” Mentor 10

“Going to Crossroads was a last resort by which I mean the last chance for me to get help. You struggle without help and that can cause you to re-offend. I am very grateful for them being there because they have helped a lot.” Client 6 (distance)

PROFESSIONALISM

For an organisation or project to be successful there must be a certain degree of organisation and professional ability. The feedback gathered in relation to the management and operational aspects of Transforming Lives and Crossroads Trust has been overwhelmingly positive, with people stating that Transforming Lives is extremely professional and the work produced is of a high standard. This feedback provides a good foundation for the future development of Transforming Lives.

High quality training

Throughout the interviews with clients, mentors and community members many commented on the quality and effectiveness of the training provided through Transforming Lives. The mentoring training which they have developed has been accredited by OCN at a Level 3 standard which demonstrates the credibility of the training. This credibility is further evidenced by the feedback gained through the evaluation.

“The Crossroads training is one of the best I have been on. It was brilliant. It was received well by all and made me interested to look things up again.” Mentor 12

“The work produced by the directors and volunteers is of the same standard as we get from teams with paid staff and that is testament to their dedication and quality of work.” Community member 21

“The training was really simple. It was a really nice group of people and they made sure that everyone understood. It was good to hear other people’s experience and the trainers were approachable.” Mentor 16



Commitment and dedication

People interviewed for the purposes of the evaluation communicated that they were really taken aback by the commitment and dedication of the directors Crossroads Trust. The commitment and dedication identified is a key strength which has enabled Transforming Lives to grow and the determination people have seen in the directors is a real asset to Transforming Lives.

“The amount of hard work they put in is just phenomenal. Not many people could do it how they do. They are really committed.” Community member 19

“I think that someone who works a night shift then spends the rest of the day volunteering shows a commitment that I do not witness often.” Community member 24

Competence

Other organisations have commented on the excellent knowledge base and skills of people within Crossroads Trust. People see the directors as competent and able and have given extremely positive feedback with regards to how the Transforming Lives project is run.

“It is very professional, they have done their homework and know what they are doing, especially when it comes to safeguarding.” Community member 18

“The risk manager completes really rigid risk assessments and the whole thing is really well organised.” Mentor 14

“The staff and directors have a massive amount of skills, experience and passion which comes across well. I have seen some of the policies they have developed and the organisation is well set up.” Community member 21

Reliable and efficient

Clients, mentors and community members have commented on the efficiency of Transforming Lives stating that they always get a quick response from the trust. The sense that they are ‘always there’ if needed has been prevalent within interviews and this has been a key aspect of Transforming Lives which is valued highly by people in the community.

“A friend told me about Crossroads so I got in contact with them and they responded instantly and helped me straight away.” Client 6 (distance)

“The operations manager and risk manager are always in close contact. We just have to pick up the phone and they will help. They are professional.” Community member 20

“I can always get hold of them when I need them.” Client 1


6.2 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

A Likert scale questionnaire was used in addition to interview questions with clients to assess the extent to which the desired outcomes of the Transforming Lives project had been met. The graph below shows the average client score for each question in the scale.

Table 1 provides a key for the average score to the corresponding Likert scale indicator and table 2 provides a key for the question numbers to the corresponding statements used in the questionnaire. As can be seen in the graph, clients gave high scores on all questions with the average responses being either ‘somewhat agree’, ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’. These responses provide good evidence for the effectiveness of the Transforming Lives project and the positive impact which it has had on clients’ lives.

The questions which clients gave the average response of either ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ were mostly centred around the support provided to the client by their mentor and how this support enabled clients to overcome problems and make positive changes. Clients also felt that the project was well organised which demonstrates the strength of the operational aspects of the project. Questions to which clients responded ‘somewhat agree’ were mostly related to the development of skills and improving employability. A reason for this is that


some of the clients interviewed has accessed the project from a distance and were therefore unable to attend training opportunities provided by the Transforming Lives project. Also, some of the clients already had a lot of life and employment experience and therefore this was not an area which they felt that they needed support in developing. Clients did also with ‘somewhat agree’ to the question relating to likelihood of re-offending. Clients generally said they gave this response because they had already made the decision that they did not want to re-offend before being involved with the Transforming Lives project. Accessing the Transforming Lives project was a step that many clients had taken to help them achieve their goal of desisting from re-offending.


7. RESULTS From the data gathered by interviewing clients, mentors and community members and also through the Likert scale questionnaire completed by clients it is clear that the Transforming Lives project has been exceptionally well received by those who it has worked with. It has evidently had a genuinely positive impact on peoples’ lives and made a real difference. The success of the Transforming Lives project will be further explored in the discussion however, this section of the evaluation aims to establish whether the project has answered the evaluation questions set out at the beginning of the evaluation. The questions in relation to clients, mentors and community members are explored below.

7.1 CLIENT QUESTIONS

Has the Transforming Lives project reduced the likelihood of clients re-offending?

All of the clients interviewed in the evaluation had desisted from re-offending and there was a clear motivation from clients to maintain an offence-free lifestyle. Clients also gave the average response of ‘somewhat agree’ when asked whether they felt that the Transforming Lives project had reduced their likelihood of re-offending. What emerged when asking clients about re-offending was that many had made the decision to change whilst they were in prison and their involvement with the Transforming Lives project was a step they had taken in order to obtain support in desisting from re-offending. Therefore the support provided to clients through the Transforming Lives project has reduced the likelihood of clients re-offending.

“I decided I wanted a different life before my involvement with Crossroads. However, they have given me hope that there is an organisation out there that is real and understands people in my situation.” Client 7 (distance)

Have clients been provided with the support needed to reintegrate into the community and to be more active within their community?

The average response by clients to the statement ‘since my involvement with the Transforming Lives project I feel that I am more active within my community’ was ‘agree’. Evidence that the Transforming Lives project has achieved this outcome also came from the interviews conducted with clients. Clients highlighted that they have felt highly supported by the Transforming Lives project.

There are no other agencies like Crossroads which help. You don’t get any support from prison really when you leave.” Client 1

Has the support received by clients been tailored to their needs?

All clients strongly agreed with the statement ‘the support I have received has been tailored to my needs’. Therefore it is clear that clients have felt that the support has been tailored to


their needs. Jonathon Robinson (author and journalist) also commented that Crossroads Trust “have a much more bespoke approach compared to the one size fits all service provided by other organisations”.

Have mentors been positive role models for clients?

All clients also strongly agreed that their mentor had been a positive role model which provides evidence that the Transforming Lives project has met this outcome.

Has the Transforming Lives project supported clients to achieve outcomes in relation to: improved life skills, positive thinking, financial capability, employment, qualifications and training?

In terms of positive thinking, on average clients agreed that their thinking had been more positive since being involved with the Transforming Lives project. The Transforming Lives project has also supported clients in improving their life skills, financial capability and employability as well as providing opportunities for clients to access training and gain qualifications. Evidence of these outcomes has been presented through the model developed from the interview data and the qualitative analysis section provides support for this through quotes from the interviews.

What factors contribute to successful outcomes for clients?

Factors which have contributed to successful outcomes for clients have been highlighted in the Transforming Lives model of analysis. Particular aspects of the Transforming Lives project which were highly valued by clients were:

1. Nature of the support – the support provided to clients was dynamic in that it addressed practical, emotional and social issues. Clients felt that this support was not available anywhere else.

2. Nature of the mentors – clients highlighted that they felt that their mentors really understood their situation (due to many of the mentors being peer mentors). They also felt that they were genuine, real people.

3. Confidence and self-esteem – the support clients received enabled them to improve their confidence and self-esteem which made them feel empowered to make positive changes.

4. Opportunities – the Transforming Lives project provided clients with opportunities which enabled them to develop their skills and employability.

5. Operation – clients experienced the Transforming Lives project as being professionally run and saw mentors and directors as competent. The reliability and efficiency of the project was one aspect highlighted by clients as being extremely helpful.


7.2 MENTOR QUESTIONS

Have mentors been given sufficient training to be able to fulfil their role?

‘High quality training’ was one sub-theme which emerged from the thematic analysis of the interview data. All mentors interviewed felt that the training had thoroughly prepared them for their role and this is evidenced within the qualitative analysis.


Have mentors been provided with appropriate support within their role?

‘Support’ not only for clients, but also for mentors was a key theme which emerged from the qualitative analysis. During the interviews mentors spoke about how they felt extremely supported in their role and that there is always someone available for them to contact if they need support.

“The risk manager is always on the end of the phone and will answer emails you send her on the same day. She also offers supervision for the mentors.” Mentor 16

Has being a mentor for the Transforming Lives project enabled mentors to achieve outcomes in relation to: improved life skills, positive thinking, confidence, employment, qualifications and training?

In relation to qualifications and training, all mentors commented on the vast amount of training opportunities (both internal and external) that had been made available to them through the Transforming Lives project. They also commented on the amount of certificates and qualifications they had obtained as a result of the training. In terms of employment, training to be a mentor actually enabled one mentor to get a new job and inspired another to set up her own business. Other mentors also commented on how the Transforming Lives project has helped improve their life skills which has helped with their employability by given them the skills and experience they need for work. Finally in terms of positive thinking, mentors spoke very positively about their experiences of the Transforming Lives project and how it has given them something to look forward to. Therefore, the Transforming Lives project has achieved all the outcomes for mentors in relation to improved life skills, positive thinking, employment, qualifications and training.

“I have been able to attend lots of different training, both internal and external and get involved with other projects too.” Mentor 13

“I have been able to get a new job through the training.” Mentor 16

“I have been given responsibilities, helped with my CV and given the encouragement to go back to university.” Mentor 10


Has the mentoring training been evaluated and accredited?

The mentoring training has been accredited by OCN Credit4Learning through Amersham and Wycombe College. The training comprises of distinct units and gives learners a level 3 qualification once they have completed. The fact that the training has been accredited demonstrates the professionalism of the Transforming Lives project and means that the training they provide is credible. Crossroads Trust overall operations is also accredited by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation which means its governance and safeguarding systems are robust and allowing the Transforming Lives Project to be facilitated in a safe environment for all those involved with the Project.

7.3 COMMUNITY QUESTIONS

Has Crossroads Trust made connections with organisations, employers and the community which will benefit clients accessing the Transforming Lives project?

Through the Transforming Lives project, Crossroads Trust have clearly made many positive connections with local organisations which has enabled clients to access the support that they need. The feedback from organisations has been extremely positive and the only negatives have come from the discrimination Crossroads Trust has faced by some organisations, in particular the Criminal Justice Agencies in Warwickshire.

“They have very good staff who are good at making links within the community and sustaining those links. They have definitely made an impact as a new organisation.” Community member 21

Have the links which Crossroads Trust have made with organisations, employers and the community had an impact on people’s perceptions and/or reducing discrimination of people with criminal convictions?

Many of the people interviewed commented on how their personal perceptions of ex-offenders have changed since being involved with the Transforming Lives project and one of the key themes which emerged from the qualitative analysis was ‘changing perceptions’. Organisations have also commented on how the training has changed the perceptions of staff members which has enabled them to better support ex-offenders who they work with.

“My personal views on prison and offenders has definitely changed as a result of meeting the operations manager. I wouldn’t have given them (ex-offenders) the time of day before but I understand their situation more now.” Community member 18

Have clients become more active citizens within their community as a result of their involvement with the Transforming Lives project?

Clients themselves have commented on how they have become more active citizens since their involvement with the Transforming Lives project. Community members from local organisations have corroborated this and provided further evidence for the fact that the Transforming Lives project is enabling clients to be more active within their communities.


“I’ve seen the work done in the church garden by the clients and also one of the clients has helped with designing websites. They have helped put people’s skills to good use.” Community member 19

How has the Transforming Lives project been managed and operated?

Clients, mentors and community members have all commented on the efficiency of the Transforming Lives project and one of the key themes from the thematic analysis is ‘professionalism’. Community members have clearly evidenced the high standards of work produced through the Transforming Lives project and the competency of the directors who manage the project.

“The operations manager and risk manager are always in close contact. We just have to pick up the phone and they will help. They are professional.” Community member 20


8. DISCUSSION The results of the evaluation have shown that the Transforming Lives project has been able to answer all of the evaluation questions and has met the outcomes which it outlined in the project brief and funding application. The experiences of all those involved with the Transforming Lives project have been overwhelmingly positive and it is clearly a needed service within its area of operation as well as further afield. The evaluation of the Transforming Lives project provides further evidence in support of peer mentoring and demonstrates how effective it can be. Therefore the findings of the evaluation are in line with the current literature surrounding the effectiveness of peer mentoring.

The model which was able to be generated from the qualitative analysis makes a good contribution in terms of being able to understand the process of peer mentoring. The model encompasses the multiple factors needed for a peer mentoring project to be successful. Due to the success of the Transforming Lives project, it is difficult to make recommendations in terms of how the project could be improved. This is particularly true in the case of Transforming Lives as many of the barriers which have been faced have been due to the discrimination and lack of co-operation from other organisations; for example, the project did not receive as many referrals as planned due to this lack of co-operation.

Although the project has been highly successful and the feedback absolutely positive, there are some areas of development which can be considered. Some of these areas have been highlighted in the literature review in terms of looking at what factors are needed to make peer mentoring successful. The Transforming Lives project already possesses many of these qualities, and this has been evidenced through the analysis. However, some additional areas for development are highlighted in the recommendations below.

8.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Expand the area of operation

Given the success of the project and the clear need for the service which has been identified, in order to support more clients in future the project needs to expand to be able to take referrals from a wider area. The Transforming Lives project has successfully supported some clients from a distance, however, expanding the project so that more people can access the full service provided by the project would mean more people could be supported to a greater extent.

2. Build relationships with Criminal Justice Agencies and Community Safety Partnerships

The discrimination faced by the Transforming Lives project from some organisations is utterly unacceptable. However, as highlighted in the first recommendation referrals are essential for the project to be sustainable. Therefore, if expanding the area of operation means that support can be gained from criminal justice agencies outside of Warwickshire


across the Warwickshire borders then this would be a positive step for the Transforming Lives project. As highlighted in the literature review, working in partnership with criminal justice agencies is a factor which significantly contributes to the success of peer mentoring interventions.

3. Develop the scope of ‘through the gate’ mentoring

As identified in the literature review, mentoring is most effective when it is ‘through the gate’. Mentoring that begins in prison will enable the ex-offender to feel supported though the whole process of being released into the community. Some of the mentoring undertaken through the Transforming Lives project has been ‘through the gate’, with clients finding the project through prison newspaper articles. If relationships are built with criminal justice agencies outside of Warwickshire then this will enable the scope for effective ‘through the gate’ mentoring to expand through the Transforming Lives project.

4. Continue to monitor and evaluate progress

Monitoring and evaluating progress, as the Transforming Lives project has been doing, is key for the sustainability of mentoring projects. Monitoring progress will ensure that the operation of the project is remaining as efficient as possible and evaluation will help to highlight areas for development in order to take the project forwards. Evaluation will also help to evidence the valuable work being done through the Transforming Lives project which will help obtain future funding to sustain the project.

5. Develop and market the training package

The accredited training provided through the Transforming Lives project is clearly of a high standard and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The training package could be marketed to and bought in by other organisations and this would provide income to assist with the running and development of the Transforming Lives project.

6. Develop training for new mentoring organisations

Given the success of the accredited model used in the Transforming Lives project, another way the project could be developed is to formally develop the model of operation and then market this to new mentoring organisations. Again, providing training on the operational aspects of running a mentoring project would provide income to assist with the running and development of the Transforming Lives project.


8.2 CONCLUSION

Overall the Transforming Lives project has been extremely successful and The Crossroads Trust Board of Directors and mentoring team should be very proud of what they have achieved. It is hard to get across in words the sheer impact of the project upon peoples’ lives, but hopefully the voices of clients which are echoed throughout the evaluation have gone some way in expressing this. There is a clear need for the unique service which the Transforming Lives project provides, and as has been said by clients, mentors and community members if it hadn’t been for Transforming Lives many people simply would not have been able to access the support which they so desperately needed.

The Transforming Lives project needs to keep operating with the commitment and dedication that is has done over the past year. People are reliant on Transforming Lives and the genuine, real people who are at the heart of the project are something which clients have expressed is found nowhere else. Despite the great distance that Transforming Lives has come, it is still only at the start of its journey. There is clear scope for development of the project and as it develops it will make an even more significant impact to many more peoples’ lives. In conclusion, the Transforming Lives project has had tremendous success so far and has the potential to become the benchmark for peer mentoring of ex-offenders.


9. REFERENCES Aitken, J. (2014) Meaningful Mentoring [online]. The Centre for Social Justice. Available from: http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/UserStorage/pdf/Pdf%20reports/mm.pdf [Accessed 20th August 2015]

Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3: 77-101

Celinska, K. (2000) Volunteer involvement in ex-offenders’ readjustment: reducing the stigma of imprisonment. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 30: 99-116

Clinks and Mentoring Befriending Foundation. (2012) Supporting offenders through mentoring and befriending: Clinks and MBF survey findings [online]. Available from: http://www.mandbf.org/news/mbf-news/supporting-offenders-through-mentoring-and-befriending-views-and-good-practice-from-organisations [Accessed 20th August 2015]

Finnegan, L., Whitehurst, D., and Deaton, S. (2010) Models of mentoring for inclusion and employment: thematic review of existing evidence on mentoring and peer mentoring. London: Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion

Fletcher, D., R. and Batty, E. (2012) Offender Peer Interventions: What do we know? Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University.

Huggins, R. (2010) Mentoring for progression: prison mentoring project – assessing strengths, outcomes and roll-out potential [online]. Available from:http://www.mandbf.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Mentoring-for-Progression-Final-Report.pdf [Accessed 20th August 2015]

Joliffe, D., and Farrington, D. (2007) A rapid evidence assessment of the impact of mentoring on re-offending: a summary [online]. Home Office. Available from:http://www.crim.cam.ac.uk/people/academic_research/david_farrington/olr1107.pdf [Accessed 18th August 2015]

Kavanagh, L. and Borrill, J. (2013) Exploring the experiences of ex-offender mentors. Probation Journal: The Journal of Community and Criminal Justice, 60 (4): 400-414

Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. (2014) What is mentoring and befriending? [online]. Available from: http://www.mandbf.org/mbf-membership/what-is-mentoring-and-befriending [Accessed 18th August 2015]

Ministry of Justice. (2013) Transforming Rehabilitation: a summary of evidence on reducing reoffending [online]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transforming-rehabilitation-a-summary-of-evidence-on-reducing-reoffending [Accessed 20th August 2015]


Philip, K., and Hendry, L. (2000) Making sense of mentoring or mentoring making sense? Reflections on the mentoring process by adult mentors with young people. Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 10: 211-223

St Giles Trust. (2014) St Giles Trust Impact Report 2014 [online]. Available from: http://site.stgilestrust.org.uk/what-we-do/reports-and-evaluations-into-st-giles-trust [Accessed 20th August 2015]

Tolan, P., Henry, D., Schoeny, M. and Bass, A. (2008) Mentoring Interventions to Affect Juvenile Delinquency and Associated Problems. Chicago: The Campbell Collaboration United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2003) Peer to peer: using peer to peer strategies in drug abuse prevention. New York: United Nations

Wadia, A. and Parkinson, D. (2015) The informal mentoring project: a process evaluation. London: National Offender Management Service


APPENDICIES


APPENDIX A

EVALUATION OF THE TRANSFORMING LIVES PROJECT INFORMATION My name is Rachel Egginton and I am a MA Social Work student from the University of Birmingham. I am currently undertaking an independent evaluation of the Transforming Lives project run by the Crossroads Trust. This evaluation will involve speaking to clients, mentors, directors and other agencies who have been involved with the project to gain information about their experiences of the project and producing a written report based on this information. The purpose of the evaluation is to find out whether the project has met its objectives and to gain people’s experience of the project including any areas which could be improved upon.

Participation in the evaluation will involve completing a short interview and possibly a short quest ionnaire re lat ing to your experiences of involvement with the project. Participation is voluntary and if you do wish to participate then all data used within the evaluation will be kept anonymous and will not be used for any other purposes. If at any time you wish to withdraw your involvement in the evaluation, including your data being removed from the evaluation, then you have the right to do so. There will be the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the evaluation both before and after taking part in the evaluation.

CONSENT STATEMENT

If after reading the information above, and asking any questions, you would like to participate in the evaluation then please sign below. By signing this consent form you are confirming that you have read and understood the information provided about the evaluation and that you wish to participate in the evaluation. You are also giving permission for your data to be used in the evaluation, although you do have the right to withdraw this data at any time.

Signed ________________________________ Name _________________________________ Date___________________________________


APPENDIX B

APPENDIX B CONTINUED OVER PAGE


APPENDIX B CONTINUED


APPENDIX C

transforming lives birmingham universityevaluation

Documents

transforming lives project

lives project evaluation1

lives project evaluation2

i n i n g

evaluation questions

t h e s e r

n d h i g h

d e v e