Offenders help group to awards

AN organisation which supports hundreds of offenders and ex-offenders into training and work in Oldham is in line for two top awards.

Work Solutions, based at the Honeywell Centre, Hathershaw, has made it to the finals of the Regeneration and Renewal Awards.

The group, which has staff based in probation offices in Bridge Street and Rochdale Road, Oldham, has been recognised for its pioneering work.

The not-for-profit organisation has worked with more than 200 offenders in Oldham.

It is also a regional finalist in the National Training Awards to be held in October.

The announcements follow a successful year for the offender services team, who work from Probation Service offices and prisons across Greater Manchester with more than 7,000 offenders every year.

One key element of its work includes an innovative thinking skills for the workplace scheme, trialled in Oldham, which has supported more than 100 offenders with anger management and communication issues.

It is believed to be the first such scheme to be delivered outside a prison in the UK.

A construction enterprise scheme set up by Work Solutions, which helps offenders gain skills and work experience in the field is also thought to be a national first.

Andy MacDonald, acting operations manager for Work Solutions said: “We are delighted, but not surprised, to have been acknowledged by the judges as worthy of a place in the finals of these awards.

“This reflects the great results we are achieving in Oldham, often in areas where support is needed most.”

Work Solutions has been nominated for a Regeneration and Renewal award for the second year running.

Last year, it was highly commended in the social enterprise of the year category for its work with hundreds of unemployed residents.

The finals take place in London on September 18.