First Bus partners to prevent prisoners re-offending

Inmates at a Yorkshire prison are to be given support in finding work or training after completing their sentence in a ground-breaking partnership with First Bus.

The bus operator has teamed up with HMP Wealstun, near Wetherby in West Yorkshire, to begin a series of employability workshops to help prisoners avoid re-offending.

A 6-week programme of sessions has been devised by First Bus which involves an initial group of 10 prisoners due for release within six months, who will receive support to develop employability skills and build confidence, including interview technique and CV writing.

The potential to offer work experience placements and apprenticeships at First Bus depots is also planned.

Mubs Mahmed, Community and Social Value Partner for First Bus in North & West Yorkshire, will lead the workshops.

He said: “Our ambition is to complement the work of HMP Wealstun and help create a holistic approach to supporting prisoners to rehabilitate into society and find jobs or training which benefits them and the community.”

An employment hub at the prison is also promoting job opportunities at First Bus depots in West Yorkshire and liaising with the bus operator’s recruitment team.

Mick Rayner, Acting Governor at HMP Wealstun, said: “It is fantastic to welcome First Bus to HMP Wealstun, in supporting our prisoners in improving their employability skills. We know the importance of securing employment on release, and we look forward to working with them over the coming months.”

Mubs Mahmed added: “We have worked closely with the employment team at the prison to define how we can best support offenders. The programme is ready to begin and we too will learn from those taking part and hope to see positive outcomes in the months ahead.”

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