Giving something back

SUEZ sponsored workshop in Ford prison gets a makeover

SUEZ in Surrey has sponsored a workshop at HMP Ford, helping to rehabilitate offenders by helping them to develop new mechanical skills by repairing and servicing bicycles.

The work is done as part of an ongoing scheme which aims to give prisoners work experience and qualifications, as well as building self-esteem and confidence which helps increase the chances of employment on release.

As part of our relationship with HMP Ford, SUEZ have recently completed a project to provide a newly fitted, dedicated SUEZ workshop located within the prison. When SUEZ started working with HMP Ford, the workshop was in a poor state. By branding the workshop and improving the working environment, prisoners get a feel of going to work for SUEZ, who also provided tools to double the number of workbenches in use.

The bicycles that are serviced through the workshop are later sold on through the SUEZ Revive re-use shops found at household waste recycling centres across the county, and put back into good use in the community. The workshop provides training to help prisoners gain skills, as well as confidence, and employment experience prior to their release into society. This means more prisoners can benefit from the scheme and, hopefully, to go to find work afterwards.