The objective of South West Community Chaplaincy, working in the South West of England, is to enable, through all the resources available to it, the best possible rehabilitation, restoration and reintegration into the community, of people who have been subject to a custodial or community sentence.
Through a dedicated staff and volunteer team, and the continual development of a comprehensive network of local faith communities and links to other services, SWCC offers person-centred holistic support, by means of practical assistance, signposting and advocacy within a mentoring relationship.
The foundations of SWCC are derived from faith-based principles, not least of hope, compassion, forgiveness, the intrinsic uniqueness and value of every person, and the possibility of change and renewal for all, regardless of what has happened in the past.
We currently operate in the following prisons; HMP Exeter, HMP Dartmoor, HMP Channings Wood, and HMP&YOI Eastwood Park, but also receive referrals from other prisons and from within the community. In prison, our team of dedicated Community Chaplains meet with those referred to us, and discuss what benefits Mentoring could offer the individual. Each mentoring relationship is unique as it is reactive to the needs of the individual, thus it can range from developing the individual’s attitude, thoughts and behaviour, or helping with isolation/strained family relationships. We also support the work of other services such as drug and alcohol services, education training & employment (ETE), or housing. We can introduce those leaving prison to faith communities and other community groups should they so wish.
We currently operate in the following prisons; HMP Exeter, HMP Dartmoor, HMP Channings Wood, and HMP&YOI Eastwood Park, but also receive referrals from other prisons and from within the community. In prison, our team of dedicated Community Chaplains meet with those referred to us, and discuss what benefits Mentoring could offer the individual. Each mentoring relationship is unique as it is reactive to the needs of the individual, thus it can range from developing the individual’s attitude, thoughts and behaviour, or helping with isolation/strained family relationships. We also support the work of other services such as drug and alcohol services, education training & employment (ETE), or housing. We can introduce those leaving prison to faith communities and other community groups should they so wish.
We currently operate in the following prisons; HMP Exeter, HMP Dartmoor, HMP Channings Wood, and HMP&YOI Eastwood Park, but also receive referrals from other prisons and from within the community. In prison, our team of dedicated Community Chaplains meet with those referred to us, and discuss what benefits Mentoring could offer the individual. Each mentoring relationship is unique as it is reactive to the needs of the individual, thus it can range from developing the individual’s attitude, thoughts and behaviour, or helping with isolation/strained family relationships. We also support the work of other services such as drug and alcohol services, education training & employment (ETE), or housing. We can introduce those leaving prison to faith communities and other community groups should they so wish.
We currently operate in the following prisons; HMP Exeter, HMP Dartmoor, HMP Channings Wood, and HMP&YOI Eastwood Park, but also receive referrals from other prisons and from within the community. In prison, our team of dedicated Community Chaplains meet with those referred to us, and discuss what benefits Mentoring could offer the individual. Each mentoring relationship is unique as it is reactive to the needs of the individual, thus it can range from developing the individual’s attitude, thoughts and behaviour, or helping with isolation/strained family relationships. We also support the work of other services such as drug and alcohol services, education training & employment (ETE), or housing. We can introduce those leaving prison to faith communities and other community groups should they so wish.
We currently operate in the following prisons; HMP Exeter, HMP Dartmoor, HMP Channings Wood, and HMP&YOI Eastwood Park, but also receive referrals from other prisons and from within the community. In prison, our team of dedicated Community Chaplains meet with those referred to us, and discuss what benefits Mentoring could offer the individual. Each mentoring relationship is unique as it is reactive to the needs of the individual, thus it can range from developing the individual’s attitude, thoughts and behaviour, or helping with isolation/strained family relationships. We also support the work of other services such as drug and alcohol services, education training & employment (ETE), or housing. We can introduce those leaving prison to faith communities and other community groups should they so wish.
We currently operate in the following prisons; HMP Exeter, HMP Dartmoor, HMP Channings Wood, and HMP&YOI Eastwood Park, but also receive referrals from other prisons and from within the community. In prison, our team of dedicated Community Chaplains meet with those referred to us, and discuss what benefits Mentoring could offer the individual. Each mentoring relationship is unique as it is reactive to the needs of the individual, thus it can range from developing the individual’s attitude, thoughts and behaviour, or helping with isolation/strained family relationships. We also support the work of other services such as drug and alcohol services, education training & employment (ETE), or housing. We can introduce those leaving prison to faith communities and other community groups should they so wish.
Community Chaplains will also discuss any goals the mentee may have, as well as any obstacles there may be to their rehabilitation. We work closely with the various course and programme leaders who are also working with the same individual in the prison, and with the National Probation Service (NPS) and Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) staff, to ensure a collaborative and joined up service.
The Community Chaplain will continue to meet with the mentee as they prepare to leave prison, and will match them with one of our trained volunteer mentors who will continue to support them through the gate and in the community. Our team of mentors span across Cornwall, Devon and West Somerset. Each has been trained and holds an enhanced DBS check.
