Clarks Village hosts employability event for ex-offenders

Clarks Village hosts employability event for ex-offenders <i>(Image: Clarks Village)</i>
Clarks Village hosts employability event for ex-offenders (Image: Clarks Village)

Clarks Village hosted an employability day for ex-offenders with crime prevention charity Key4Life.

The Somerset shopping outlet saw 16 young men, who have been to prison or are at risk, take part.

Included were CV writing workshops, interview skills seminars, and motivational talks by retail manager Sarah Gaskin and high sheriff of Somerset, Rob Beckley QPM.

As part of the session, participants were fitted for work suits at the Suit Direct brand.

Chris Davis, Clarks Village centre director, said: "It was our pleasure to host the employability day with Key4Life and support these young participants on what can be a tough journey through rehabilitation into the world of work."

Mr Beckley added: "Having been in the police for 38 years, I can absolutely say you must never write somebody off."

The Jack Winter Food Cell, Key4Life’s former prison van turned burger outlet, also attended, providing hands-on training and business skills.

Founded in 2012, Key4Life reports its participants are four times less likely to reoffend than the national average.

Eva Hamilton, CEO and Key4Life founder, said: "Thanks to the amazing support from Landsec, Key4Life has been enabled to work with some of the most disaffected young men in the local community."