Blue Sky, Groundwork Thames Valley's social enterprise for ex-offenders, is honoured that Iain Duncan Smith MP has nominated it as 'Charity of the Year' in Parliament's Charity Champions Awards. The other two finalists are "Voluntary Service Overseas" and "Grandparents Trust". The DODS Charity Champion Awards offer recognition for work in voluntary sector.
Blue Sky's nomination from Iain Duncan Smith reads:
"By running a social enterprise, with a supportive management structure and proven results at a competitive price, Blue Sky provides employment to ex-offenders and takes a huge element of the 'risk' out of employing them that other contracting agencies would be unwilling or unable to carry.
"Blue Sky has reduced reoffending by 87%. Of 150 clients, 55% went on to sustainable employment (DWP definition) and 44% to employment or further education. Ex-prisoners are given a vital lifeline by providing employment and opportunity to gain new skills. This fosters hope for a future without re-offending. The personalised support and on-the-job mentoring offered by Blue Sky is a key ingredient in their success. The simplicity of their model, the focus on using 'employment' as the central theme to engage those at risk of re-offending, and their ability to address wider issues and root causes through mentoring, housing support and other personal support makes Blue Sky stand out as "Charity of the Year".
The winner will be announced on 8 December 2009.
Follow this link to read more about Blue Sky.
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