Get OUT Project
What is the Get OUT Project?
This project is for men who have been released from prison, and those who have had some involvement with the Criminal Justice System. The Get OUT Project has been specifically designed to support men in Norfolk who face persistent social and economic challenges and difficult circumstances that cause barriers to attaining good health and wellbeing.
We are offering a short program of outdoor activities, including walking, wild camping, outdoor mindfulness, vegetable gardening/permaculture, team games, practical conservation, bushcraft and a short break in an off-grid cottage.
Our project is based upon proven models of outdoor recovery which blend physical activity with building new social connections and emotional support; helping to nurture a greater sense of collective support and optimism amongst participants, whilst reducing social anxieties of engaging in unfamiliar situations.
Who is the Get OUT Project for?
This project is for men who have left prison to live in Norfolk. This project is suitable for: –
• People who are on Probation – we will co-operate with Probation staff to comply with license
conditions, particularly in respect of overnight camps.
• Men who are able to attend without being intoxicated through drug and alcohol use. Prescription medication is acceptable and remains the responsibility of the participant.
• Prison leavers who are seeking to make life-style changes, those who are in the Preparation, Action or Maintenance stages of the Cycle of Change. (Prochaska and Di Clemente) –
https://online.yu.edu/wurzweiler/blog/prochaska-and-diclementes-stages-of-change-modelfor-social-workers
• Men who have been involved with the Criminal Justice System but are no longer under Probation supervision.
• Those who are able to make a commitment to attend all or as much of the program as possible.
• Men who would like to participate in outdoor activities in a group setting.
This project is not suitable for: –
- Individuals who are chaotically misusing substances on a daily basis
- Men who are actively self-harming toa significant degree
Who is running the project?
The Get OUT Project is a partnership between two organisations. Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN), a Christian charity providing through the gate support to prison leavers, see www.norfolkchaplaincy.org.uk for more information. CCN is providing the governance and administration for this project.
www.ascendadventure.co.uk
Ascend Adventure Limited, a local non-profit organisation, which specialises in outdoor activities, engaging people with each other and nature. See www.ascendadventure.co.uk for more information. Ascend Adventure will be delivering the outdoor sessions.
What are the aims of the project?
The Get OUT Project is designed with the five ways to wellbeing in mind and it will provide opportunities for beneficiaries to learn new skills and share existing ones with others, increase mental and physical wellbeing through being active in the outdoors, share positive experiences, make connections and friendships (reducing isolation), overcome fears (e.g. heights, the dark, social situations), connect with the natural world and learn more about wildlife and gardening.
The Get OUT project is designed for men, and it will incorporate themes around positive masculinity. Group discussions will be facilitated round the campfire and in talking circle.
Participants will have the opportunity to have some good experiences, think about what they want to do next, recover from being in prison, consider what works and what doesn’t on reflection and get away from everyday stress.
What measures are in place to safeguard participants?
CCN and Ascend Adventure have and implement a full range of policies and procedures including Safeguarding Children and Young People, Vulnerable Adult Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Equal
Opportunities and Diversity Policy and we undertake full risk assessment on each project we implement.
Ascend Adventure operate an expected code of conduct during sessions with participants and have extensive experience of supporting vulnerable adults in a group setting, including managing potential conflict or exploitation of participants, and responding to emergency situations.
We have a Designated Safeguarding officer and seek to co-operate with referring agencies to balance the benefits of taking part in our programs, with any identified risks. Ascend Adventure has full Public Liability Insurance, DBS and are outdoor First Aid Trained. Group size will be limited to 10 participants at one time.
When and where are the activities taking place?
Most of our activities will take place at a private, four- acre meadow site, at Bittern Meadow, in Postwick (East of Norwich, towards Brundall). The off-grid cottage trip will be in Santon Downham near Thetford Forest.
Program dates
We are running four Get OUT programs in 2023. Programs will begin in April, May, June and September. Day sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please see separate sheet for full details of dates.
Practical issues
We will provide transport and pick up from Norwich city centre, Prince of Wales Road at 10.30am. We can also reimburse travel expenses with provision of a receipt or ticket. In order to come along on the residential trips participants will need to attend some other sessions first so we can be sure the activities are suitable. Ideally participants will attend the whole program, but we understand this may not be possible/desirable for everyone.
We will provide healthy food and refreshments during all the sessions and can cater for dietary requirements. Because the activities take place outdoors, we encourage participants to wear suitable footwear, walking trainers or walking boots and to dress for the British weather. Please be aware that the ground may be muddy or uneven.
We can provide all the equipment needed for the camping activities.
Accessibility – we will do our best to accommodate additional needs or physical disabilities and we realise that this program may not be suitable for everyone. We are happy to provide proof of attendance for the purposes of DWP or Probation.
How do I make a referral?
We would be happy to receive queries about the Get OUT Project so that you feel well informed when discussing it with your clients. Referrals can come from Professionals or self-referrals are welcome.
Please call Melanie Wheeler on 07710 303909 or email manager@norfolkchaplaincy.org.uk
Application forms can be returned by email or post to Community Chaplaincy Norfolk, St Stephen’s Church, Rampant Horse Street, Norwich, NR2 1QP Information given will be treated as strictly confidential.
We reserve the right to decline or defer applications