The Training and Resource Centre - Hackney
From its earliest days, FTC appreciated that support for its clients should not end when the prisoner reaches the end of his or her custodial sentence. For resettlement to be most effective there needs to be on-going community-based support.
On 25th September 2006, FTC opened its first Training and Resource Centre in the London Borough of Hackney. Karen House, located at 1 – 11 Baches Street in Shoreditch, will provide over 4000 square feet of space. Purpose designed and fitted out to our usual high standards, the centre provides a welcoming and motivating environment for FTC’s clients allowing them to focus on their personal and career goals.
FTC has always sought to work in partnership with those agencies that can provide the best possible post-release support for its clients, but it was recognised that there was a place for FTC to bring together community-based organisations in a cohesive way to enhance the opportunities for holistic and effective resettlement. The FTC team have been warmly welcomed and forged strong relationships with local and national organisations serving the communities in Hackney and Islington.
Karen House will act as a hub where a wide range of agencies will be accessible to the clients. These agencies will provide expert assistance in areas such as employment, training, housing, substance misuse and dependency, family reintegration, faith and cultural matters, mental health issues and other medical problems. These are the main areas of support that have been identified but this list is not exhaustive.
The Training and Resource Centre will provide support, on an individual appointment basis, by setting up personal action plans, providing information and advice sessions, looking at referral opportunities and signposting to help the clients to achieve their resettlement goals.
The Centre will also facilitate the Foundation Training Programme, which will focus on offering vocational preparation, communication skills and information technology modules. The training programme will develop and build on these core elements to include other vocational specific topics.
