Sova Support Link continues to expand!

Sova Support Link has been providing volunteer mentoring support to ex-offenders with longstanding psychological needs in South East London since 2009. Because of Support Link’s excellent reputation in this area of London, the project was approached by London Probation Trust and Oxleas NHS to run a six-month pilot project to support the residents of three Approved Premises with resettlement into independent accommodation.
 
The pilot took place between July 2013 and January 2014, and supported 9 clients over this period; 8 of the 9 clients completed the full 6 month programme. For the duration of the project, none of the clients reoffended, and 7 of the 9 successfully moved into independent accommodation (the remaining 2 clients were preparing to move on after completing programmes at the Approved Premises).
 
One of the volunteers who supported a client on the project said of their experience:
‘It's been very rewarding. As a hub, we got on very well. The client had a lot to offer and it was easy to talk together. I looked forward to the meetings.’

Feedback from clients was also very positive; Pete described his experience of meeting with the volunteers and the impact it had on his life: ‘[I enjoyed] getting out and meeting volunteers, it helped me to gain the confidence to get a voluntary job’. Jack expressed his hope that others would be able to be supported as he had been: ‘Keep the project going for other people, it would be nice for others to benefit.’
 
Due to the success of the pilot, Sova Support Link has secured further funding from London Probation Trust to run this project for a further 12 months, aiming to support 9 -12 clients make successful transitions into independent accommodation, reducing the likelihood of them reoffending and therefore creating a safer community.
 
To find out more about Sova Support Link’s work  or enquire about volunteering with us click here.
You can also follow Sova Support Link on twitter @Sovasupportlink for real time updates