Thrive

The unique Thrive platform enables Career Matters to provide a full service that supports those with Lived Experience of the criminal justice system into employment, through coaching, training, advice, mentoring and access to networks and employment opportunities, all housed in a central digital hub. 

 Career Matters also develops skills for the future world of work, with education providers and employers, to address the challenges facing industry sectors and recruitment practices for individuals in the criminal justice system. The demands of the future workforce require new ways of working, training and attracting talent. 

Career Matter is also commissioned by NHS England for the Lived Experience Charter on the national roll of the charter and is working with 21 sites across the RECONNECT, L&D, HMP, HMYOI, CYPSE, CARE EXP and VANGUARDS services for an open and inclusive workforce for People with Lived Experience. 

Career Matters Missions and Objectives to create a more inclusive workforce for individuals that are disadvantaged in getting into careers especially people with lived of experience of the criminal justice. We inspire ‘hope’ for individuals that are experiencing challenges in life. We know through first-hand experience as individuals that have been through the criminal justice system – the barriers we face to get into employment and career progression. The aim of the project is to support with the barriers of the digital divide from these communities that are disadvantaged to have fulfilling lives and have better Job prospects in the health & Justices services. Our team at Career Matters have personal lived experience in the criminal justice system and have faced many barriers to get into jobs and career pathway and utilise their own lived experience through the process to support this community. 

A disconnect exists between job opportunities and people with lived experience of criminal justice ability to access them. 

• 42% prison population were excluded from school. 
• Only 17% of prison leavers get a job within a year of release. 
• Adults released from custodial sentences of less than 12 months had a proven reoffending rate of 61.0%.  
• 27% of adult prison population are care experienced.  
• 37% of prison leavers state that they would need help finding a place to live when they were released. 
• Some prison leavers don’t have digital skills, especially older prison leavers and those released from long sentences. 
• 50% of prisoners have a reading age of 11 years old (Shannon Trust Report). 

⅓ of prison leavers self-identify on initial assessment as having a learning difficulty and/or disability 

Thrive is a new Career Matters developed digital platform.  Thrive offers a personal development programme and careers service and mentoring to support individuals that have experienced the criminal justice system.  

The dedicated team at Career Matters are skilled professionals at implementing innovative projects which seek to democratise access to education and employment for individuals from the criminal justice system. Lived Experience Charter 

Why?

Young people in care and care leavers face significant barriers to progression.  This is due to, lack of stable housing; financial instability; lack of access to mental health support; adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); low self-esteem; exploitation environments adding to criminal records and involvement with the justice system (affecting ability to apply for jobs); minimal or non-existent support networks; loneliness; and social exclusion.  A disconnect exists between job opportunities and care leavers ability to access them.

The unique Thrive platform enables Career Matters to provide a full service that supports those with Lived Experience of the criminal justice system into employment, through coaching, training, advice, mentoring and access to networks and employment opportunities, all housed in a central digital hub.  

• NEET figures stand at 39% for 19-21-year olds compared to the national average of 11.6%.
• Only 17% gain 5 GCSEs compared to the national average of 60%.
• 6% of 18-21-year olds go to University.  
• There is currently no available data about academic levels or pathways of care leavers post 25 years of age.
• 2% of care leavers go into apprenticeships.
• 12% of care leavers whereabouts unknown.
• https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/884758/CLA_Outcomes_Main_Text_2019.pdf 

Insight into the care experience…

There is minimal data about the career pathways, academic and professional achievements of care experienced people.  Government data shows a snapshot in time regarding care leavers outcomes, critically these statistics are at a time when many care leavers are living independently for the first time, with limited, if any, support networks.  

Our consultation and research to date show that many care leavers go on to achieve stability in their lives, build exciting careers, achieve the highest levels of academic qualifications and professional achievements.

Our project supports the Keep on Caring Outcomes – Supporting Young People from Care to Independence (publishing.service.gov.uk)

• Better preparation to live independently. 
• Improved access to education, employment, or training.  
• Financial Stability.

Thrive will contribute to demonstrate the many success stories and resilience of those with care experience.  Raising awareness of the challenges facing this group and improving understanding and support available.   

Are you a Care Leaver?

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