Interserve is backing an event showcasing the work carried out by probation colleagues supporting people to make positive changes to their lives.

The company runs five CRCs that deliver probation services to offenders on Community Orders, Suspended Sentence Orders or who are on custodial licence from prison.

The Butler Trust is a charity that was formed in 1985 and recognises, celebrates, develops and shares outstanding work and best practice across the UK’s prisons, probation and youth justice services. The charity has launched its Hidden Heroes campaign to shine a light on the work carried out by professionals and volunteers in the Criminal Justice Service who are making a difference for people who are either in custody, in care or are on probation.

Kim Thornden-Edwards (pictured above), Interserve’s Director of Justice, said: “I am delighted that the Butler Trust and Interserve are highlighting the incredible work undertaken by people in the criminal justice system because this is often challenging work that can go unrecognised.

“Colleagues across our probation companies strive to stop people from reoffending. We enforce sentences made by the courts and hold offenders to account for their actions, but we also know that the best way to achieve that is by supporting our service users to make positive changes to their lives and to move permanently away from criminal activity.

“The Hidden Heroes event encourages us all to recognise those who are working with people – some of whom are among the most disadvantaged in society – to help them lead better lives.”

Ten colleagues from across Interserve’s CRCs will be tweeting about their jobs on the day, which is taking place on Tuesday, September 29th. The number includes people who deliver unpaid work orders, probation case managers and colleagues who are based in prisons and help offenders prepare for release.

Adam Pownsey, Community Payback placement coordinator, works for the Cheshire & Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company organising projects for people on unpaid work orders to complete. All the projects consist of delivering projects that benefit local communities, and includes things such as maintaining churchyards, preparing food for the elderly and supporting charities.

Adam said: “I am proud of the work undertaken by colleagues across the UK to deliver probation services, and this is particularly the case during COVID-19 when so many are suffering extra burdens.

“I love the work I do because I can see first-hand the benefits that it brings, both to the communities who benefit from the good work that takes place and from our service users who are learning new skills.”

To see tweets from Interserve’s CRCs on the day, please follow #HiddenHeroes on twitter.