Re-Start is a voluntary organisation set up by former social workers. We work in partnership with a wide range of agencies including Job Centre Plus offices, HM Prisons, Probation, Social Services, and others. We receive, for example, referrals from Job Centre Plus Offices - to engage with people who are vulnerable and have been long term unemployed with a view to help them back to employment. Many of the people we work with are disenfranchised and often disconnected from society. They are people who may have a history of being in care, or they are ex-offenders, or sex-workers, or people who misuse substances.
We work closely with people to help them re-discover their inner strengths and enable them to tackle some of the obstacles that stands in their way.
As an organisation we also work in close partnership with a number of prominent universities, providing the degree in social work. At Re-Start we provide practice placements for the social work students - and our qualified staff act as practice assessors. We are presently in the process of developing an Access To Social Work Course ~ so if you have aspirations of a career in social work ~ watch this space!
We are a wholly self-funding voluntary organisation and rely on donations to exist. We are making a tremendous difference to the lives of people who are often written-off by society - and find themselves on the slippery cycle of re-offending.
If you are interested in the work we do and wish to make a donation, please make cheques payable to "Re-Start". If you wish to volunteer with us, we often have many vacancies, feel free to contact us. You will receive training, support and a worthy reference from a pioneering voluntary organisation.
At Re-Start we recognise that many groups are disadvantaged in the labour market – for example, this may be due to, for example, substance misuse, or because they are ex-offenders or sex-workers. We are able to work therapeutically with service users, drawing on their strengths - and giving them hope for a restart in life.
At Re-Start we came up with an innovative idea called "Bridges 2 Work" - this is for anyone who is out of work - and deemed to be needing specialist support by Job Centre Plus - living in the North East London Districts (from Leyton up to Edgeware) . The service user needs to be motivated with a flexible approach and who is open to new and innovative ideas.
If you misuse substances we will expect you to have completed drug treatment programmes, or at the very least we expect you to be stabilised, and still undergoing drug treatment programmes.
The following is a list of some of the things we do:
- Practical help in taking the next step
- Personal Consultant (social work student)
- Personalised Action Plan
- Defining realistic job goals
- Effective job searching
- Specialist provisions / education
- Motivational workshops
- Ongoing support
- Relaxed atmosphere (counselling & therapy)
- Interview techniques
- Job matching sessions
At Re-Start we are conscious that
* Small voluntary organisations, particularly Black and Minority Ethnic groups, find it difficult to access funding, particularly core funding, and that the pursuit of grants takes up a disproportionate amount of time. Re-Start is wholly self funding – and struggling to survive.
* Black and Minority Ethnic organisations perceive that they are treated unfairly by some funders, through over-scrutiny, stereotyping and inaccurate perceptions of the way in which they work.
* This was exacerbated by a lack of awareness of challenges facing the sector, particularly with regard to organisational capacity
* The Black voluntary and community sector plays an important role in capacity-building, civic engagement and social inclusion of Black and Minority Ethnic communities. This was not recognised by many funders, which focus primarily on service delivery; it has important implications for the building of social and civic capital
* Partnerships were considered to be beneficial, but often the strategic opportunity was lost to statutory agencies that used partnerships in a tokenistic manner
Re-Start as an independent, not-for-profit voluntary organisation - run by, for and located within BME communities - brings distinctive value to society. There was praise from our service users that Re-Start:-
* Knew the client group and was non-judgemental. This was thought especially important as “ex-offenders know that they have a place where they can go and feel accepted and understood for who they are”.
* Employed some ex-offenders so that there were positive role models running and working on the programme. There was a very practical demonstration that it was possible to cross the bridge from offending and unemployment into employment and making a valuable social contribution
* Was a small organisation which valued offenders and their starting points and so offered a far less intimidating face than a college or learn-direct centre might.
* Staff at Re-Start from BME communities who could relate with participants from different ethnic, faith and cultural backgrounds
* Would be more likely to enable clients to go to an employment interview with a sense of being likely to succeed because they had explored disclosure and because Re-Start had links with more sympathetic employers. It was noted that all too often ex-offenders “go to an employers with a defeated attitude before they start”
* Helped employers taking ex-offenders to feel confident that there had been effective assessment and screening prior to them being recommended, that there was good preparation in workplace attitudes and behaviours, and that support was offered to manage the transition into employment.
* Was helping people who were disenfranchised and disempowered within the employment market-place to gain the skills, aptitudes and behaviours which would allow them entry or re-entry to making a living.
The relationships between British organisations, both statutory and voluntary, and Black voluntary organisations are however, different. There are apparent and evidential similarities between the relationships of Black organisations and statutory bodies and Black organisations and mainstream (White) voluntary organisations. The similarities are most explicit in for example, like statutory institutions, mainstream voluntary organisations are predominantly White, both in relation to white people’s dominance in management structures and workforce and white prevalence in users of services. The way the services are designed (ethos) and provided (practical arrangements) by most mainstream voluntary organisations – makes these service provisions unattractive, inaccessible and inappropriate for Black users, leading to poor or non-existent take up of services from Black service users. The similarities are also explicit in ‘Black and White’ power relationship, which put side by side statutory institutions and mainstream voluntary organisations much closer – compared to the status and position of Black voluntary organisations. In this context, the status and position of Black voluntary organisations are much closer to Black client groups in need of services than their White counterparts. In other words, Black organisations are also victims of racism and racial discrimination.
As a result all Black organisations – Re-Start is an example – do not have security of core funding or stable resources, do not receive consistent statutory support and do not get the opportunities for forming real partnerships with white organisations. It is inevitable then that most White initiated and white dominated voluntary organisations have a “head start” working against the interest of Black voluntary organisations.
Against all these odds, Black voluntary organisations, Re-Start is such an example, have struggled to survive and have voiced their dissatisfaction in services provided (or not) by white agencies. But most importantly, they have been engaged in establishing alternative services for their communities.
The emergence of black voluntary organisations is a direct outcome of a lack of appropriate and adequate mainstream service for black communities.
Black organisations provide alternative services to black communities as well as subsidising and/or complementing statutory services.
Most black organisations, such as Re-Start, deal with all aspects of community needs rather than dealing only with a specific need – for example, disability.
At Re-Start, for example, we support a wide range of clients disengaged and disenfranchised from society because they are ex-offenders on the Sex Offenders Register or because they are Sex Workers wanting to change their lifestyles or they might be suffering from depression and need help with self-esteem, confidence building.
Even those black organisations dealing with a particular need such as mental health, operate within the framework of a comprehensive approach (responding to all other needs, such as housing, employment, education and so on) instead of compartmentalising and categorising ‘special’ needs.
Most black organisations (like Re-Start) have little or no regional boundaries.
Black organisations (like Re-Start) have severely restricted resources and insecurity compared to most mainstream voluntary organisations.
Compared to other mainstream agencies the management employees of black voluntary organisations lack opportunities for training, appropriate terms and conditions of employment and as such are most vulnerable.
Participation of voluntary organisations is not a new concept in social work. Report after report, recommendations after recommendations have kept this agenda going in social work scene. The role of the voluntary sector in providing welfare services, whether as charitable trusts or private enterprises, is bound to expand. Social workers have moral and professional obligations to ascertain that their involvements with voluntary sector is not ‘all White’ and their co-operation with Black voluntary sector is not ‘mere tokens’.
As a social work led BME voluntary organisation, at Re-Start we work with service users on the margins of society providing valuable services. We also provide bespoke practice placement opportunities for students undertaking the degree in social work.
As independent, not-for-profit organisations run by, for and located within BME communities, the voluntary sector brings distinctive value to society. In particular, it enables BME individuals to contribute to public life and supports the development of active, thriving communities by providing opportunities for voluntary and community action.
The voluntary sector: empowers users through involvement in the design and delivery of services; advocates for community needs; helps alleviate poverty; improves quality of life; and actively involves some of the most socially excluded people and communities in England. For example, at Re-Start we have ex-offenders both on our Management Committee and in the role as Volunteers. An effective partnership with the statutory sector is an essential part of ensuring that the BME voluntary and community sector is able to develop its full potential as an important contributor to society and a strategic agent of those it seeks to represent.
The Government’s Social Exclusion Unit states that ‘‘ethnic minority disadvantage cuts across all aspects of deprivation. Taken as a whole, ethnic minority groups are more likely than the rest of the population to live in poor areas, be unemployed, have low incomes, live in poor housing, have poor
health and be the victims of crime.’’
The BME voluntary and community sector works to tackle the disadvantage experienced by the communities from which it springs.
However, despite their work with a diverse range of groups and communities, many BME voluntary and community organisations continue to be excluded from the traditional structures of the voluntary and community sector.
This often results in exclusion from engagement with Government and local statutory bodies. It is vital that the BME voluntary and community sector engages in a positive relationship with these local public bodies, building mutual trust and confidence.
Action should be taken by all concerned to ensure that the sector has equal opportunity to be directly involved in partnerships, consultation and decision making with public bodies.
A successful BME voluntary and community sector is an important partner in helping the statutory sector make its commitment to race equality a reality. Support from the statutory sector to the BME voluntary and community sector should be a central feature of pushing forward on this agenda.
The negative outcomes of social exclusion are disproportionately represented within BME communities. Tackling social exclusion effectively should include initiatives which target BME communities. Through partnership with the BME voluntary and community sector, which draws on the experience and knowledge of the sector, local public bodies can make such targeted interventions more effective.
The activities and knowledge of the BME voluntary and community sector can provide public bodies with experience and skills of vital importance in the effective development and delivery of policy to BME communities. Consultation with the sector should be all inclusive, recognising the broad spectrum of interests, such as women’s groups, gay and lesbian groups, youth groups, disabled groups, age groups, religious and faith groups, which make up the BME voluntary and community sector.
A number of barriers exclude BME voluntary and community organisations from effective involvement in consultation processes.
Particular attention should be given to the most appropriate means of engaging smaller under-resourced groups, which constitute the majority of the BME voluntary and community sector. This may include:
* informal interactions;
* the meeting of language needs;
* offering financial support for expenses incurred through being part of the consultation process, such as financing meetings and offering payment for attendance.
Funding needs
To date, funding for the BME voluntary and community sector, whether from existing or new sources, has been significantly below that of similar organisations in the mainstream voluntary and community sector. This is all the more detrimental given that the BME sector does not generally have the windfall legacies, income streams and leverage opportunities that the more established mainstream sector attracts. Funders should take this into account in determining the level of allocations against funding bids.
The BME Sector requires fair funding and long term funding stability to:
* establish a level playing field with the mainstream voluntary and community sector;
* build sustainable infrastructure at national, regional and local level;
* represent and support BME communities;
* fill the gaps in services to BME communities;
* deliver mainstream services to society; and
* play a meaningful role in building a fair and just society.
Addressing BME funding issues
The Home Office report “Strengthening the Black and Minority Ethnic Voluntary Sector Infrastructure” explored the concerns that the BME voluntary and community sector has about funding. The report identified a number of possible actions to address BME funding concerns, including: encouraging and supporting applications; implementing transparent and robust procedures designed to ensure fair treatment; and setting annual targets for funding.
An important step on a national level is the Government’s aim to publish the share of funding received by BME organisations, subject to the robustness of the available data. This will help to identify whether the arrangements for ensuring fair access to Government funding programmes are effective, and whether any further action, both by funders and the sector, is necessary.
* which BME communities are not receiving funding;
* how access, approval and funding rates compare with the mainstream voluntary and community sector;
* the scope provided for new or unfunded BME groups to secure funding, advice and support; and
* policy or service areas where funding is allocated to the voluntary and community sector but not to BME organisations.
In circumstances where strategic grants are withdrawn from BME organisations, consideration should be given to whether there is an alternative organisation within the BME sector that is well positioned to take receipt of such strategic funding. Prioritising the redistribution of funds within the
BME sector will help to ensure that services to the community and resources to the sector are not lost.
Reducing risk
Organisational crisis happens within all sectors, but in the BME voluntary and community sector such
crises are often more visible and far reaching. It is therefore crucial that public bodies adopt a flexible and supportive approach to BME organisations experiencing organisational difficulties.
It is important that public bodies and the sector undertake a joint review where withdrawal of funding has occurred. Identifying key causes, sharing lessons for organisational management practice and highlighting general support needs will help to prevent similar problems in the future.
Actions that can be taken by public bodies and the sector at the outset of funding to reduce risk of failure include:
* ensuring that each funding allocation is adequate for purpose;
* providing accountable mechanisms at organisational and individual grants officer level;
* developing effective and supportive monitoring and evaluation systems.
Premises
Affordable office space of high quality construction, often with multi-functional use, is increasingly required by BME groups to deliver essential services. To guarantee self-sustaining growth, capital grant schemes should consider support for the acquisition of premises. Re-Start has had the good fortune to be able to operate its office as a result of the generous donation from a trustee – who has let his private apartment in London to Re-Start for a very affordable rental.
Services to all
The main strength and value of the BME sector lies in its support and delivery of services to BME communities. However, as the sector grows it will become increasingly important to view the sector as a potential provider of generalist services. It is important that funders recognise this potential. Re-Start, for example, although a very small self-funding voluntary organisation - accepts referrals irrespective of whether the client is from BME.
The Black and Minority Ethnic experience of volunteering
The BME voluntary sector offers people from BME communities the opportunity to volunteer. The ‘Strengthening the BME voluntary sector infrastructure’ report highlighted the different experience of volunteering in the BME sector compared to that of the mainstream voluntary sector. The report states, ‘‘The Black and minority ethnic voluntary sector has been created on a self-help basis by people directly affected by the problems to be addressed. The wider sector however emerged mainly from middle class people taking a benevolent interest in the disadvantaged. As a consequence the motivation of BME volunteers is often based on a personal involvement and commitment to the issue.’’
Re-Start, for example, involves its service users in the delivery of services; for example, ex-offenders, survivors of domestic violence and service users with mental health issues. Employing ex-offenders means that Re-Start “walks its own talk” and this has earned respect from employers who can experience examples of people who have experienced the criminal justice system as offenders, but who, not only are not offending – but committed to putting their skills to work for social benefit. It earns respect with programme participants – they know they are understood, accepted and respected.
Involving BME volunteers
Attracting BME people to volunteer in other sectors will require organisations to ensure that the experiences they offer are relevant to the concerns of BME individuals. The National Centre for Volunteering publication ‘Volunteering by Black People: A Route to Opportunity’ identifies a number of issues which organisations need to consider. Some of the key issues include:
* taking a proactive approach to dealing with any existing under-representation of BME people among volunteers, paid staff and trustees;
* dismantling unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. Many BME people enjoy and prefer the informality they experience in BME organisations;
* offering a choice of ways to be involved; and
* removing practical obstacles.
Increasing the level of volunteering within the BME community can be assisted if:
* local statutory organisations recognise the contribution and the cost for BME volunteers in the development of initiatives to support and increase levels of volunteering; and
* encourage mainstream volunteer bureaux to give particular focus to both placing volunteers from BME communities and supplying volunteers to BME groups.
The Black voluntary and community sector has a strong tradition of trying to ensure that minority communities can enjoy full citizenship rights and have equal opportunity to participate in British society.
Re-Start is located at 56 Davids Way, Hainault, Ilford, IG6 3BQ. Call Moinal at the office on 020 8501 1096 / 020 8501 3253 / 020 308 75699
