“Real world impact for our participants is what makes us tick! So, I am very proud this year that an incredible 98% of young people we coached reported making progress in their lives. This is testament to their commitment combined with the skill and passion of our team.
Taking just one area of progress – Hopes and Dreams – we know from the robust evidence base that hope is a powerful force for change. With hope, change is possible. We are proud to help young people see and commit to a future that excites them. Another key area — Work and Education – a brilliant 75% of young people made progress, giving them the opportunity to move away from crime into productive and positive futures.
Our work is needed. As the Prisons Inspectorate says regarding young adults in custody “if action is not taken, outcomes for this group and society will remain poor for the next decade and beyond” (HMIP, 2021). We take this seriously.
For this reason, I am proud to report that this year we powered up our coaching, reaching over 240 young people and over 40 prison staff across 6 prisons and in the community.
The team grew, and we brought on board a second Ambassador, Sophie Ruddock, who joins Kenny Imafidon to champion our work.
This has been our busiest year to date! Through the well-reported challenges of working in prisons, we remain true to our values. One quote that sticks with me: “Psychology is not just the study of pathology, weakness, and damage; it is also the study of strength and virtue. Treatment is not just fixing what is broken; it is nurturing what is best.” (Seligman, 2000)
This approach is working. Every £1 invested in the Hero’s Journey generates at least £5.94 worth of benefits to society.
Thank you from me to everyone who has supported Spark Inside on our journey.”
Click here to read our Impact Report!
Vicki Cardwell, Spark Inside CEO.
