As summer gets closer, walks along Nottingham’s canal will be more inviting - thanks to a group of offenders who have volunteered to clean up two local stretches of towpath in a joint venture with British Waterways.
The group are from Nottinghamshire Probation Trust’s Fit for Work project, which helps those sentenced to a community order or released from prison move away from a life of crime by developing physical and mental fitness and learning practical and team working skills.
Areas of towpath running from Trent Bridge to Castle Marina, and from Trent Lock to Long Eaton Fire Station in Derbyshire have been adopted by the team, who are working on a regular basis to litter pick, remove graffiti, paint and maintain locks as well as the looking after the general upkeep of the overflows and waterways.
British Waterways will supply work references for Fit for work volunteers attending a set number of sessions, increasing their chances of gaining and sustaining employment, a vital step in breaking the cycle of reoffending.
Steve Hampton, Health and Training co-ordinator at Nottinghamshire Probation Trust said: ‘We’re really pleased to be involved in this great project which benefits everyone. British Waterways gain a labour resource, the
volunteers get invaluable work experience and life skills, and local people have a clean and tidy canal towpath to enjoy!’
Simon Gent, Waterway Supervisor for British Waterways, said; "We’re keen for community groups to become more involved with their local canal or river and we’ve been really impressed with the enthusiasm the team have shown here in Nottinghamshire. They have made a real difference in making the county’s canals more attractive and we wish them luck for the future".
Any local businesses interested in offering support for this project should contact Steve Hampton, Health and Training co-ordinator at Nottinghamshire Probation Trust on 07921 937814.
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NOTES FOR EDITORS
What is Fit for Work?Fit for Work is a unique in-house programme run by Nottinghamshire Probation Trust, addressing healthy lifestyles and physical and mental fitness through a weekly programme of activities such as climbing, kayaking and gym sessions. The programme covers team working tasks and is proving to enhance employability and contribute to offenders gaining and sustaining employment.
Fit for Work is targeted particularly on substance-using offenders, primarily those subject to Drug Rehabilitation Requirements. The original concept of the programme is that through changing offenders addictions and their view of themselves, difficult lifestyles stabilise and the need to reoffend decreases. When drugs are involved, the aim is to replace the ‘high’ from addiction with one based on fitness and exercise, creating an understanding that the feel good factor does not need to come from chemicals.
For more information please contact Lindsay Narey, Communications Officer for Nottinghamshire Probation Trust on 0115 840 6497/07921 937147 or email lindsay.narey@nottinghamshire.probation.gsi.gov.uk
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