Unlock provides peer support for people who are facing stigma, prejudice and discrimination because of their criminal record. Our volunteers help staff to deliver our Helpline, supporting over 7000 people a year to get the jobs, training, homes and other things they need to live better lives.
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There are over 11 million people in the UK, from all sorts of backgrounds, who have ended up with a criminal record, for all sorts of reasons. The vast majority want to work hard, develop new skills and put their past mistakes firmly behind them. But, their criminal record can present a lifelong barrier to fulfilling their potential and people often still face stigma, rejection and discrimination which can have a profound impact on their lives and well-being.
Unlock’s unique volunteering scheme supports people with criminal records, including people still serving a prison sentence, to learn valuable new skills & gain a new understanding on how to deal with their own situation, by helping others. Volunteers join a supportive staff team (including people with criminal records) and are trained to provide clear, accurate, reliable information to Helpline users who are also struggling with the challenges & complexities of life with a criminal record.