Footprints is a small charity with a big impact. 

Our vision is to build stronger and safer local communities across Dorset and Hampshire.

The people we support have complex needs: 24% have grown up in care (compared to 2% of the general population); 29% have suffered abuse in childhood;  47% have no formal qualifications (compared to 15% of the adult working age population); 68% were unemployed before entering custody (compared to 7.7% of the economically active population); 15% are homeless; up to 49% of female offenders and 23% of male offenders suffer with anxiety and depression (compared to 15% of the general population)

46% of people released from prison will re-offend within a year of release. For those serving short custodial sentences and those under 18 years old this raises to over 80%. On average it cost the UK tax payer over £50,000 a year to keep someone in prison.

We train volunteers in the community to provide person centered support for over 300 people who have been in prison, have received a community sentence or a caution from the Police, enabling them to lead purposeful, fulfilling lives, contributing positively to the local community. 

Our support works:

Only 10% of women on our out of court diversionary scheme in partnership with Dorset Police reoffend and all women rated our support as excellent or very good. In 2020 we were awarded a commendation from the Howard League Community awards women's section.

Over 65% of the people we support on our mentoring scheme reduce their social isolation and over a third return to work. In 2020 we were shortlisted as Outstanding Regional Organisation of the year in the Criminal Justice Alliance awards.

Since 2018 we have developed innovative partnership work with residents in Probation Hostels (approved premises). These house high risk of harm offenders on release from prison. Due to the nature of the residents they cannot access support easily in the community and we few charities are allowed on site. We have set up woodwork training, basic cookery and healthy eating courses, NVQ Level 2 food Hygiene training and wellbeing sessions for the residents to reduce their risk and help them into training and employment. This work won an award from the High Sheriff of Hampshire in 2020.

Despite the need and the evidence of our impact our beneficiaries are not always a popular choice for support. By helping them we make our communities safer for all, reducing victims. Support us to make your community a better place to live.