Building Stronger Communities with HMP Cardiff

The first cohort in Wales to complete a transformational employability and sports leadership initiative were celebrated at an event at the Cardiff City Stadium last week. Cardiff City FC Foundation, in partnership with HMPPS (Her Majesty's Probation and Prison Service), completed the pilot Twinning Project over a six-week period.

The Twinning Project is an initiative for prison inmates who are due to be released and is just the second initiative to run in the entire of the UK.

Working with individuals on probation from HMP Cardiff, the Foundation supported the first Welsh cohort with inspiring educational coaching sessions, which developed inmates' skills to help them shape a brighter future.

Over half of all prisoners have no qualifications prior to custody. Approximately a third have been excluded from school and 83% of them leave custody without any employment or training opportunity.

Over the past six weeks, inmates also completed an FA Level One qualification in Football Coaching, and many have expressed an interest in volunteering within a sporting environment as well as developing life skills including communication and leadership.

Gavin Hawkey, Director at Cardiff City FC Foundation said:

"The Twinning Project has been instrumental in building a relationship between ourselves and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPSS).

"The participants have seen many benefits on the project including improving their confidence, attitude to learning and sense of belonging.

"Together with the Twinning Project, we’re able to combine the appeal of a professional football club and the expertise of HMPSS to support wellbeing, improve education and build stronger communities."

Eirian Evans, Head of Probation Delivery Unit in Cardiff and the Vale said:

“The Twinning Project delivered a wonderful opportunity for people on probation to engage in a positive experience both physically and mentally.

"The course encouraged participants to develop life-long skills that they can now use in their local communities that allows them to give something back.”