Training courses could help deal with the crisis we see in our prisons
After recent failings at HMP Birmingham and other high profile prison failures, questions are being raised about the nationwide prison crisis.
A major contributing factor to reoffending is the lack of employment opportunity for those with a criminal record, according to a business owner in Southend, who believes that prisons that offer services that improve employment prospects often see a significant reduction in reoffending.
Nicola Cockbill, Director of CompanyHQ Barbers, provides one such service. She offers a training programme in barbering to offers offenders the chance to gain a Level 2 NVQ diploma following their release.
She said: “71% of prisoners in England and Wales committed non-violent offences, according to the ONS, so there should be no reason they cannot go on to have a successful career, maybe even running their own business. We just have to help them achieve those goals.”
Many prisons have suffered from falling standards in recent years, believed to be in part because of cuts to funding and the overstretching of resources. Local prisons, in particular, are prone to overcrowding thanks to a “revolving door” population of vulnerable reoffenders. Local prisons are also less likely to provide purposeful activity, with many prisoners spending up to 22 hours locked in their cells.
The course offered at CompanyHQ Barbers, which can be started after a prisoner is released, is suitable for those who do not have any experience as well as those that may have the skills but lack formal training. It offers training in clipper work, fading, scissor work, razor touch-ups, facial hair beard grooming, and styling.
It is an intense and thorough course which demands high standards. Trainees give haircuts to live models to help participants reach the high standards Nicola expects, ready to work immediately cutting men’s hair in a shop, as well as building a portfolio to boost chances of employment even further.
“I really want to see more offenders start their journey to becoming a barber,” Nicola said. “It’s a great career – as well as offering a good income, it helps people find pride and purpose in their work. That goes a long way to turning your life around.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For more information contact Nicki Cockbill on 07800 517348 or email companyhqbarbers@gmail.com