Unlock
Unlock is a unique charity which helps reformed offenders to restart their lives in the community and avoid reoffending. It leads the way in terms of anti-discrimination legislation and financial advice for former prisoners. It was established in 1999 and its president is Lord David Rambotham, the former chief inspector of prisons.In 2005 Unlock approached Pilotlight for support to cope with the growing demand for its services and to take advantage of the increasing opportunities for expansion. Under its chief executive, Bobby Cummines, an ex-offender who had himself spent thirteen years in prison, the charity had been very successful. However, it was felt it needed to improve planning, management and staffing if it was to take advantage of all the opportunities on offer for growth and sustainability.
The Pilotlight team helped Unlock focus on its key goals and offered fresh ideas on how they might achieve them and take the charity forward. A business plan and fundraising strategy were drawn-up which gave the charity greater focus and opened up new opportunities that had not previously been considered.
The results have been impressive and the charity recently received funding of nearly half a million pounds. Their new financial advice service for ex-prisoners has also taken off and a new website has improved access. Unlock have been delighted with the advice and expertise they have received.
“When people go into charity work they go in with their heart not their head … Pilotlight brings in a business-like head.”
Bobby Cummines
Chief Executive, Unlock
“It was a step into the dark. We didn’t know what it would involve but working with Pilotlight was the best thing we ever did.”
“From not having a fundraising strategy at all, with Pilotlight’s help we developed one which enabled us to go on and win nearly half a million pounds in funding.”
Julie Wright
Deputy Chief Executive, Unlock
Who does Unlock help?
In 1997 Andy Aresti was sent to prison for a year and a half for possession with intent to supply a class A drug. During his time in prison Andy studied psychology and decided to follow a career in clinical or forensic psychology following his release from prison. He went on to take a BSc in psychology at university and followed this up with a Masters degree. It was following his successful completion of his Masters that Andy realised his criminal conviction would prevent him becoming a clinical psychologist. Unable to apply for any jobs he wanted, even his excellent qualifications, Andy was desperate for help. It was at this point he came across Unlock:
“When I first got in touch with Unlock I was very low, but they gave me the emotional support and encouragement I needed. I had felt very isolated but knowing that someone else was there who knew what I was going through kept me going ... I don’t know if I’d be here today if it wasn’t for Unlock.”
Andy is now completing a PhD on the experiences of ex-prisoners who are trying to turn their lives around and hopes to continue lecturing and make a career for himself in the academic world.
