Belong provides one-to-one, holistic, tailored mentoring services in custodial settings and in community settings, to people in contact with the Criminal Justice System.

Belong’s mentoring services helps participants to build their confidence and deal with issues relating to accommodation; education, training and employment; health; drugs and alcohol; finance, benefit and debt; children and families; attitudes, thinking and behaviour.

Through Belong’s mentoring services:

• 66% of mentoring participants increased their engagement in education, training and employment.
• 49% made with problems in their lives, for example with housing, finance, benefits and substance misuse.
• 48% increased their engagement with positive activities in their community.

Isamu’s Story

Isamu was referred to the Belong mentor service at HMP Brixton by staff in the Employment Hub. Isamu was approaching his release and requested help with his CV, something he had never done before. His mentor helped him to complete a high-quality CV and supported him to write a disclosure letter, where Isamu explained the circumstances around his previous offences, detailing the positive changes he had made since then and his ambitions for the future. Isamu stated he found support with these tasks helpful and intended to use both in his search for employment.

Shortly after his release, Isamu expressed that he felt that he had achieved everything he set out to with his mentor. Isamu described his Belong mentor as kind, respectful and delivering on what they offered.

Alexandru’s Story

Alexandru was referred to Belong’s mentoring programme in the community by his probation officer. He had limited English language skills and needed support with practical tasks like paying bills and making appointments with his GP. His mentor was able to provide practical advice and helped to increase Alexandru’s confidence to complete these tasks independently.

Whilst engaging with his mentor, Alexandru was involved in the process of seeking contact with and building a relationship with his son. His mentor assisted him to understand and work through the process. This was a challenging time for Alexandru and his mentor provided emotional support which Alexandru said helped him to refrain from drug abuse to escape his feelings. At the end of the mentoring process, Alexandru commented how much his mentor had helped him and how grateful he was.

To find out how to refer someone for mentoring, click here.