Summary
Jackie Wilkes, Philanthropy Manager at the Foundation, was joined by the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Richard Bickersteth and his wife, Rachel, in meeting two inspiring community groups earlier this week.
Jackie said:
“Meeting community groups is one of the best parts of my job and they don’t get much better than Making It Out and A Band of Brothers. At the Foundation, we have a long tradition of working with the High Sheriffs of both East and West Sussex and it was a pleasure to spend the morning with Richard and Rachel Bickersteth who were keen to meet groups looking to give people a second chance, especially prison leavers.”
Making It Out
Making It Out has hosted visits from multiple previous High Sheriffs in recognition of the importance of their work in reducing reoffending.
Based in Brighton & Hove, the charity works both within the prison system and with those who have recently been released. They offer training and skills development, work experience and support in moving forward towards long-term employment.
Mark Whaley, Founder and CEO of Making It Out, told Jackie that 1313 people in the UK died homeless last year. The picture on the left Mark Whaley with the High Sheriff. They wear green leaf badges as part of their “Fallen Leaves” campaign – each badge represents one of the people who died whilst homeless.
A Band of Brothers
Jackie also visited A Band of Brothers at their allotment at the top of Whitehawk Hill Road. This Brighton Community was the first A Band of Brother community to be formed back in 2009 and has since grown to more than 100 mentors helping over 80 local young men.
The charity helps young men from complex backgrounds to grow and develop, offering a community-based alternative to prison, suicide and addiction. Their approach connects, inspires, and trains local male volunteers to support the young men through a blend of rites of passage and mentoring.
The photo shows Dan Hartley, Chief Operating Officer and leader of the Brighton Community, Louis who came through the programme and is now a mentor and Chris who is a mentor.
Making It Out CIO and A Band of Brothers both received a grant of £475 earlier this year from the East Sussex High Sheriff Fund at Sussex Community Foundation.