Entrepreneurs Unlocked, a social enterprise, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the Build Back Up Project, to help prison leavers into self-employment in construction.
£10,000 of funding is needed, by the Build Back Up Project, for 30 prison leavers to gain work, over a six-month period, to carve out a new career and to help them avoid re-offending.
The Build Back up project will work with prison leavers seeking to gain work as self-employed construction subcontractors. They will access training resources to inform them how to find work in the sector and be provided with essential tools and workwear to enable them to accept any offer of work.
David Morgan, the Founder and Director of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, said, “It’s essential that we support prison leavers who are keen to make a fresh start with a new career and the construction industry, with its skills shortage, is the perfect place to do it. By becoming a subcontractor, workers are in control of their income and contract opportunities, and more importantly, they will be much less likely to re-offend and return to the prison system.”
On average, 45% of adults who are released from custody re-offend within 12 months. The total cost of re-offending in the UK exceeds £18 billion per year.
David adds: “As construction and infrastructure projects continue on COVID-safe sites, demand for workers continues to rise with more subcontractors needed. Build Back Up will not only help the individual but will also help to address the skills shortage in the construction industry.”
Bob’s* story was one of many inspirational stories that prompted David Morgan to launch the Build Back Up Project. Bob was released from custody in early 2020.
Bob said: “Upon release from prison I wanted to become a tradesman, but I needed the help and advice to secure work on construction sites. I was introduced to David and Entrepreneurs Unlocked who helped me to gain everything I needed to get back on my feet.”
Bob has now worked on various construction sites, gained new skills, and is using the help of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, as a springboard for finding more work and a steady income.
The Build Back Up Project, a crowdfunding campaign, closes on March 31.
To support the Build Back Up Project visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/build-back-up—construction-for-prison-leavers?tk=916d534f98df9881b4b86dd36fa90630c214b66b
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-morgan-entrepreneurs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/entr_unlocked
