Open Gate is a multi faith based registered charity working in partnership with HMP & YOI Low Newton. The project is fully supported by the Governor of Low Newton and works closely with the Resettlement department and Chaplaincy. The project is available to women returning to areas in the North East of England.
| | | Low Newton is situated approximately 4 miles south west of Durham, it is an all female prison, and women are held in Low Newton from all parts of the country. Low Newton holds remand females aged 18 and over and all sentenced female prisoners 18 or over can serve out their sentence, including lifers. The operational capacity as of 31st January 2006 is 310. | |
Fundamentally, Open Gate aims to aid re-settlement and re-integration of women offenders into communities by sustained mentoring / befriending support, so reducing re-offending and making communities safer for everyone. Volunteer mentors are drawn mainly but not exclusively from faith communities and are linked with women returning to their local areas.
Open Gate offers a unique model of seamless support to the women, beginning 6-8 weeks before release and continuing through the gate for as long as is needed. Volunteers visit the women in prison to build a relationship and become part of the women’s resettlement plan. The volunteers may meet the women at the prison gate on discharge and accompany them to any meetings they may have, perhaps at probation or with alcohol / drugs workers. Support continues in many forms and volunteers often meet the women socially.
The support we offer has been summed up by some of the women as…..
“Someone is there just for me, whenever I may need them”
Volunteer with Open Gate
Volunteers can become involved in challenging and rewarding work in their local community. Comprehensive training and regular support groups are available.
Read Our Annual Report 05/06
For more information, email the project directly:
OpenGate@CommunityChaplaincy.info
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