AP Foundation has been working closely with Her Majesty’s Prisons and Serco PLC, since 2019. The Foundation has been actively involved in developing a wide and unique selection of accredited courses, including conflict resolution, peer mentoring, and gender specialisms. We have also assisted Serco in preparing a number of high-value tenders, namely HMP & YOI Fosse Way, a new build Category ’C’ resettlement prison near Leicestershire. This particular facility will house up to 1,715 inmates. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with HMP estates.

Lived Experience

Only ex-offenders and prisoners truly understand the reality of what it’s like to live behind bars, the trauma and frustration of loss of freedom. This shared experience, which no one from the outside can understand, creates a unique trusted bond between prisoners. ‘Lived Experience’ prisoners in turn have an expert view of what works, what doesn’t inside the prisons, and how to avoid the box-ticking money-wasting exercises which fail to deliver on their promises. APF brings to the table a Lived Experience team, each with their own story and who have turned their lives around.

Connected Learning Journey and Experiences

APF advocates a joined-up approach with each programme tracked and evaluated thus providing real value for the individual as they progress on their resettlement pathway. ‘Learning by Doing’ – taking the lessons from programmes and having hands-on experience not only produces cost efficiencies but also extends the learning experience for participants. These learning-by-doing opportunities will be offered our new AP Foundation media hub where participants can create content for the rehabilitation/trauma programmes.

The role of mentors and the value of peer intervention

‘Peer work generates new social relationships, which provide solidarity and the sharing of experience, strength, and hope.’ – Prisons Service Journal Sept 2019. Supporting the AP Foundation, are ex-prisoners (Lived Experience) who now have become mentor role models for inmates to show them it is possible to break free from the cycle of violence, drugs and crime. Their role within the APF team is to provide first peer interventions for inmates as well as vulnerable youth in the community and to act as ongoing mentors. The vital role of mentors and peer intervention in their rehabilitation provides a strong focus on training prisoners and ex-offenders to be mentors so they can in turn mentor new arrivals, learning skills in the process of learning by doing. Fix the problem by fixing the person first

• APF wants to create an environment in the prisons where trauma can be healed. We believe by treating residents with respect and listening will make a difference.
• Everyone has a story to tell and providing the residents with the tools and skills to tell their story through creative mediums, forms an integral part of the healing process.
• We believe reformed offenders are the best role models as mentors, to steer young people away from getting into trouble and encourage as well as support offenders entering the prison system.
• APF works with different partners and has created a platform for all to work holistically across these three phases.