Community Payback Updates
Offenders Create Memorial Garden
In May 2008, Nigel Harris, Unpaid Work Placement Manager for the National Probation Service Lincolnshire, presented a ‘Community Payback’ plaque to Jill Rymer, Mayor of Spilsby. This was in recognition of the work carried out by offenders on community orders with a requirement for compulsory unpaid work.
Since late March 2008, offenders worked to create a Memorial Garden in the cemetery of Spilsby.
Jill Rymer said; ‘We did not give them much time, but the quality of work was superb and exceeded all expectations.’
Nigel Harris said; ‘ The Unpaid Work Unit of the National Probation Service, Lincolnshire is delighted to be associated with this mayoral project. Local councils are at the centre of their communities and mayors are the most visible representatives of these councils. It is fitting that they should have a say in the type of work offenders carry out in their local areas. ‘
Unpaid Work is one of a possible twelve requirements which make up a community sentence imposed by the courts. Last year in Lincolnshire alone, over 65,000 hours of unpaid work are carried out on community projects by offenders – equivalent to twenty-six working years for one man! (Or, at a minimum rate of £5.73 per hour this would equate to approximately £372,000 of labour for organisations which would not otherwise be able to afford the work.)
To qualify for this low-cost labour, the placement provider must be either a charitable body, voluntary organisation, local authority, or in some cases a private business – just as long as the project is for the benefit of the community. Examples of work carried out over the last twelve months include the painting and decorating of schools, churches and community centres, the clearing and landscaping of churchyards and cemeteries, forestry work, furniture recycling, plus many other projects.
The Unpaid Work Unit of the National Probation Service, Lincolnshire is always looking for potential Community Payback projects. If you have an idea in mind, please click on the link to ‘Nominate a Project’ on the home page of www.communitypayback.co.uk
Construct Your Future Project
The ‘Construct Your Future’ project, funded by Equal Engage, via European Social Fund, offers offenders on Community Orders supervised by the National Probation Service, Lincolnshire, taster sessions in six constructions trades over a period of six weeks. These taster sessions include bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, plumbing, groundwork and welding / fabrication.
The aim of the Equal Engage ‘Construct Your Future project’ is to encourage offenders to gain practical skills which will help them find employment or access further training. It also monitors whether offenders respond positively to kineasthetic learning with embedded ‘Skills for Life’.
Whilst on site, offenders receive careers guidance and work towards a National Open College Network qualification in Health and Safety.
Brian was made subject to a Community Order with a requirement to complete 200 hours of Unpaid Work. Brian was unemployed at the time and expressed an interest in developing skills in the construction trades. As part of his Unpaid Work hours Brian attended the six taster sessions and was very enthusiastic about developing an occupation in plastering. Brian went on to complete a 30 hour City & Guilds plastering course at ‘Construct Your Future’ and gained a Level One qualification.
Brian said; “Equal Engage’s ‘Construct Your Future’ course was very enjoyable and helped me to decide what career I wanted. Now I am doing an apprenticeship in plastering.”
Brian has now sucessfully completed his Unpaid Work hours and has gained employment which utilises and develops his new skills.
Centenary Tree Planting Celebrations
To celebrate its centenary, the National Probation Service, Lincolnshire is planting 100 oak saplings at Westgate Woods near Boston on Sunday 25th November 2009 between 9.30 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., where the Boston Woods Trust is planning to plant 1,000 trees.
The charitable Trust was founded in 2001 to provide a much-needed recreational area for walking, bird watching, horse riding and cycling. To date it has created 45 acres of new woodland. Boston Borough Council has contributed £50,000 to the Trust. The planting is coordinated by the trustees and carried out by volunteers from the local community.
Unpaid Work is one of a possible twelve requirements which make up a community sentence imposed by the courts. Each year in Lincolnshire over 50,000 hours of unpaid work are carried out on community projects by offenders – equivalent to twenty-six working years for one man!
To qualify for this free labour, the placement provider must be either a charitable body, voluntary organisation, local authority, or in some cases a private business – just as long as the project is for the benefit of the community. Examples of work carried out over the last twelve months include the painting and decorating of schools, churches and community centres, the clearing and landscaping of churchyards and cemeteries, forestry work, furniture recycling, plus many other projects.
The Unpaid Work Unit of the National Probation Service, Lincolnshire is currently looking for Community Payback projects. If you have an idea in mind, please contact either Lincoln (01522 780767) or Boston (01205 312907) or send the online form behind the Community Payback banner on the home page of www.justicelincs.gov.uk
Facelift for Weston Hills Village Hall
On Friday 23rd January 2009 at 3 p.m. at Weston Hills Village Hall, Nigel Harris, Placement Manager for the National Probation Service, Lincolnshire presented a ‘Community Payback’ plaque to Anthony Casson, the Vice Chairman of the Village Hall committee.
This was in recognition of the work carried out by offenders on community orders with a requirement for compulsory unpaid work. From November 2008 to January 2009, offenders carried out interior painting work in the Village Hall.
Anthony Casson said “We are very impressed with the quality of the work and the cooperation of the staff and offenders I would recommend the ‘Community Payback’ scheme to any other village committee which has some decorating to be done. All we needed to supply were the materials, and in return it was a very satisfactory job.”
Offenders Are Local ‘Ground Force’
On Friday 22nd May 2009 at 6.30pm, Nigel Harris, Placement Probation Service Officer for the National Probation Service, Lincolnshire presented a ‘Community Payback’ plaque to Anne Walters, manager of Priory Court care home for the elderly. This was in recognition of the work carried out by offenders on community orders with a requirement for compulsory unpaid work.
For nearly two years, offenders have carried out improvements to the grounds at the home. Sheila Topping, deputy manager said; “They have done a fantastic job - the residents can sit outside and really enjoy the garden. It has been nice to see a link working between the elderly and these young people”.
House and Pet Saved from Fire by Offenders
In November a team of offenders, supervised by Peter Ford of the National Probation Service Lincolnshire, whilst carrying out clearance work in the cemetery at Deeping St James, spotted a fire in a nearby house.
They raised the alarm, called the Fire Brigade and alerted the neighbours in the immediate vicinity. There seemed to be no-one in the burning house, but in fact it was indeed occupied…by a pet dog, whose life was saved as a result of the speedy action.
Sheila Kostyrka, Clerk to the Deeping St James Parish Council, wrote in her ‘Thank You’ letter:
‘Our Cemetery Committee has recently met and asked me to write to thank you to say how pleased we are with the work the team is doing in the cemetery. They have really made an impact with clearing the vegetation from many of the headstones and monuments and several very positive comments have also been received from members of the public.
I understand members of the team spotted a fire in a nearby property and raised the alarm accordingly. Needless to say, this quick action not only prevented serious damage to the house, but I understand it also saved the life of a dog that was in the house at the time.
Could you please pass on the sincere thanks of the Council to Peter Ford and his team for not only the work they are undertaking, but also for their quick action regarding the fire, which is very commendable.’
Alford Manor House – Past, Present and Future
Alford Manor House dates back to the 16th century and is thought to be one of the largest thatched Manor Houses in England. In 1967 Alford Civic Trust was formed with the main aim of preserving the House, it is now owned by a registered charity; Alford and District Civic Trust Ltd.
In June 2006, after two years of restoration, Alford Manor House, its museum and tea room were officially opened to the public with facilities for functions. Following this the House took on a new role in Alford, being accessed more by the local communities and surrounding areas. However, having only one paid member of staff, the House relies heavily on support from volunteers to maintain the grounds and buildings.
Offenders on Community Orders with Unpaid Work requirements have been involved with ground clearance and gardening works at Alford House for some time. Over the last two years the relationship with the beneficiary has strengthened and offenders are a regular work force utilised to maintain the grounds for the public. Initially work concentrated on restoring the 17th century herb and flower garden, as well as ground clearance. More recently we have been involved in large-scale projects such as clearing the river bank and bed of overgrowth and debris in order for community events to be held within the grounds (e.g. Family Fun Days and activities on the river).
Sarah Blair-Manning, house manager said, “The assistance the unpaid work parties have given us is invaluable and we look forward to continuing our good working relationship well into the future”.
This project has also been used as an Individual Placement, where the offender was considered for paid employment following the completion of his Community Order. The possibility of small groups of suitable offenders to be under Sarah’s direct supervision has also been agreed.
Work yet to be undertaken includes an upgrade of the gardens and outbuildings. Alford Manor House relies heavily on unpaid work offenders to maintain the high standard which they are currently providing to the public.
