In 2017, we awarded a grant of £50,000 towards the development of the Fine Works Hub (a workshop) in London.

Organisation

Fine Cell Work helps prisoners to build fulfilling and crime-free lives by offering skills training in creative needlework that can be undertaken in the long hours spent in their cells. Prisoners are also able to learn sewing machine and textile production skills in Fine Cell Work’s prison-based workshops. The ultimate aim is for prisoners to finish their sentences with work skills, money earned and saved, and the self-belief not to re-offend.

Currently working in 32 British prisons with more than 500 prisoners every year, Fine Cell Work addresses key issues affecting prisoners’ offending behaviours: establishment and reinforcement of work skills, building relationships, and mental resilience.

Fine Works Hub project

Fine Cell work required new premises in order to support prisoners’ need for employment and resettlement support when they left prison and return to the community. This was enabled with the creation of the Fine Works Hub (a London-based workshop that offers work experience, formal training, and employment) and the Clothworkers’ Studio (a space where apprentices are able to complete textile qualifications, work with an employment mentor, gain employment support, and take up opportunities in product manufacturing and design as well   as in sales and stock management). At the time of application, £27,000 had been raised towards the project total of £81,488. A grant of £50,000 was awarded.