Key Changes was created to tackle some of the social injustices that face women in our society. Entering the criminal justice system can have a life-long effect on women and their families. The stigma of a criminal conviction can be particularly challenging for women (who are often considered doubly deviant due to gender stereotyping) and can prevent them from securing employment. We understand this impact and supporting women towards stability, community reintegration and independence is central to our vision.

Key Changes supports women referred by prisons and probation to desist from offending. We offer a range of courses, programmes and drop-in services from our base in Sheffield, alongside a peer mentoring service Our aim is to empower women to overcome the difficulties they face, by instilling a sense of self-belief and confidence thus bringing positive changes to their lives. However, securing employment (a route to long-term desistance from crime) is challenging. A lack of qualifications contributes to the significantly reduced rates of employment for those who have experienced the criminal justice system. Women in particular, struggle to secure employment, with only 8.5% of women entering employment following release from prison, compared to 26.2% of men (Ministry of Justice, 2013).

Key Changes is unique in that it offers women the opportunity to gain a qualification that gives them a route to employment and financial independence. Our hair and beauty academy, ‘What Women Want’ provides accredited qualifications in Hair and Beauty alongside informal ‘taster courses’. We enable women at all stages of confidence and ability to progress and develop their skills. Once qualified, women can benefit from our ‘rent a chair’ scheme which offers a staged route to independent work.

Whilst fully functional, our salon is in need of some updating. Key Changes has secured a valuable offer of free renovation works to be carried out by those serving sentences of ‘Unpaid Work’. Supervised by our partner, the South Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company, the group will work for free and will complete the refurbishment of our premises to upgrade the space in which women can complete their NVQ qualifications, enabling them to work in the industry as self- employed, freelance beauticians/hair dressers or find work in professional salons.

To benefit from this free labour, we need to secure donations to purchase raw materials, such as paint and other decorating supplies, and to update our furnishings. With your help, we can improve the learning environment and help more women to overcome the barriers to employment.

Equipping women in the criminal justice system and preparing them for employment is a known way to reduce the likelihood of reoffending, creating safer stronger communities.

Please help Key Changes to help women change their lives (and those of their children and families) by giving what you can.

The initiative will be fully reported upon completion and donors will be able to request a report.