Evaluation of the Swansea Community Chaplaincy Project at HMP Swansea October 2006 - March 2008

Research has indicated that repeat offending costs the UK a minimum of £11 billion each year.

In addition, national proven re-offending rates of adults released in 2004 and followed up over a two year period were reported at 56% (Home Office, 2007). The issue of re-offending is currently being addressed by the Government in their new Crime Strategy (Home Office, 2007).

In addition, the current gap in service provision for offenders serving sentences of 12 months or less can be understood as contributing towards these high rates of re-offending.

The (2002) Social Exclusion report identifies seven pathways as major contributors to reoffending which should be addressed at both policy and individual level. The National Offender Management Unit (NOMS) recognises the need to work in partnership with key government agencies, prison and probation services and local agencies to implement intervention addressing the seven pathways. NOMS also recognises the importance of utilizing links with faith and voluntary groups to work more closely with offenders at individual level.

The Community Chaplaincy Project with HMP Swansea provides support to offenders during the bridging process between custody and reintegration into the community using the established skills and expertise of the faith and voluntary sector.