Current opportunities

Koestler Arts is undertaking some research to evaluate their impact and find out how they can improve their projects in the future.

They want to hear from a diverse range of voices – including their own entrants as well as creative people with experience of the criminal justice system who have not engaged with them – to build the best possible understanding of how they can improve their offer to their beneficiaries.

They are going to be holding two focus group discussions on Thursday 22nd August at The Old Diorama Arts Centre (nearest station: Warren Street) to talk to creative people with experience of the criminal justice system who have not engaged with Koestler Arts about their work and about their own creativity post release and to hear any advice or ideas they would be willing to give to them about how they could improve and develop what they do.

Each focus group will include up to 12 people.

The morning focus group (11.00 – 12.30) will be for women, including those who identify as women, only.

The afternoon focus group (14.30 – 16.00) will be for men, including those who identify as men, only.

They will ask all participants to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time to assure a prompt start.

They will cover all travel costs and will provide refreshments for participants

The findings from their focus groups will be analysed to help them develop more meaningful projects to support their entrants. They will of course be happy to share their findings with participants.

If you are interested in joining them, please email fina@koestlerarts.org.uk for further details.

Organisation: Koestler Arts

Duration: Thursday 22nd August

Location: London

Closing Date: August 22, 2019

Koestler Arts are looking to recruit a number of paid ex-prisoner exhibition hosts for their annual national exhibition at the Southbank Centre, running from September to November this year. Applications are now open and will close on Wednesday 24th July.

Find out how to apply here

Organisation: Koestler Arts

Duration: September-November 2019

Location: London

Closing Date: July 24, 2019

The Koestler Trust is looking for people with lived experience of the criminal justice system who are interested in pursuing their interest in the arts (visual arts or writing). We currently have mentors available in the London area who are able to provide one-to-one bespoke Arts Mentoring.

Read the full opportunity here

Organisation: Koestler Arts

The education and training social venture Behind Bras is looking for women to join a free Level 1 course in either stitching or pattern cutting. You must be unemployed, on benefits and ideally local to the The Fashion Technology Academy in North London. Following completion, you will have the opportunity to secure employment on the Level 2 apprenticeship programme – a 12-month course.

For more information, email barbara.burton@behindbras.org.uk.

Organisation: Behind Bras

The Healed Project is a six-week business start-up course for women affected by the criminal justice system. The course is designed to empower women, release them from guilt and shame, and remove stigma. It aims to helps women turn their lives around with a view of them moving forward to become successful in business.

For more information, email team@angellawilliams.co.uk.

Organisation: The Healed Project

Fine Cell Work has a post-release Open the Gate Programme for people with convictions who want to learn more about the textiles industry. It offers a comprehensive package of support including: volunteering and work experience in a professional textiles workshop; training to complete an OCN accredited course; a mentor; access to funding; and an apprentice support officer.

Email Dawn for more information.

Organisation: Fine Cell Work

User Voice, a charity whose work is led and delivered by former prisoners, is recruiting for several roles. They particularly welcome applications from former prisoners.

Find out more about the roles here

Organisation: User Voice