A conference on Reducing Reoffending and Changing Public Perception is to be chaired by Gethin Jones, a former prisoner who now works as an inspirational speaker and prisons advisor.

Gethin, who founded Unlocking Potential upon his release, heads a line-up of speakers who will discuss the latest best practice designed to reduce reoffending rates amongst adult and juvenile offenders.

This one-day conference – which takes place on October 2nd at St Alban's Centre, London – will bring together leading authorities from the Probation Service, Police, Courts, Prisons, Local Authorities, service commissioners, healthcare organisations, housing, voluntary & private organisations working with offenders.

The conference also aims to address what can be done to change the public perception of ex-offenders. They are more than their past and with this event we would like to address the stigma they face when re-entering into society. The conference will look at practical methods, programmes and interventions that benefit people who are at high risk of offending or repeat offending, social exclusion and poor mental health. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of partnership working and the service user experience.

THE CONFERENCE’S KEY OBJECTIVES ARE:

• Improving outcomes for youth in the Juvenile Justice System
• Highlighting the importance of working collaboratively across all agencies in tackling the rising re-offending rates
• Highlighting the role of the police in diverting offenders from the criminal justice system
• The value of adopting a restorative approach to reduce reoffending
• Discuss what can be done to change the predominately negative public opinion regarding offenders when they are released back into the community
• The role of stable accommodation and employment programmes in reducing re-offending

Speakers will also include Andrew Brierley, a Child Looked After/Care Leaver Specialist who works in the Youth Justice Service and will discuss Trauma-informed practice, Children Looked After & Child Criminal Exploitation.

Dr Sarah Bromley FRCGP, National Medical Director of Health in Justice at Care UK, will talk on ‘Working in partnership to improve health and wellbeing’.

A range of other speakers, from HMPPS, the Forward Trust, the Criminal Justice Alliance, the NHS, Sport in Criminal Justice, Clinks, Unlock, the Violent Crime Prevention Board and Renovare will also take to the floor in what promises to be a thought-provoking and valuable networking event.

Register for the Reducing Reoffending and Changing Public Perception Conference at: https://bit.ly/2MXa6Ue