Your choice. Your pace. Your hub.
CFO Activity Hubs is a new project funded by CFO, HMPPS and part funded by the European Social Fund. The hubs aim to provide a safe space for ex-offenders to build a healthier, more stable and fulfilling life.
Linking community engagement activities with key support, the hubs provide a safe space to learn, develop new skills and meet new people. You choose your activities, take part in them at a pace that’s right for you and control your journey.
What can I expect at the hub?
The CFO Activity Hub offers a warm welcome, a hot drink and chance to spend time with people who understand what you’re going through, the barriers you face and the experiences you’ve had.
At the CFO Activity Hub you can work one-to-one with a support worker, take part in group sessions with other people or work on your own with our staff available if you ask for help.
Getting your life back
At the CFO Activity Hubs you can get specialist accommodation advice, support for independent living and help to improve your life skills.
We know not everyone has strong personal ties offering support or has a home or family to return to. We will encourage you to build and strengthen the relationships that matter to you.
Whether you need help to manage your debts, overcome addiction issues or access to health advice, the CFO Activity Hub is the place to start.
Confidence building
Returning to the community can be difficult with changes to working practices, relationships and expectations. It can knock your confidence.
Our hubs offer activities to help you build your confidence, skills and give back. Promoting healthy lifestyles, improved wellbeing and greater self-esteem, these sessions will help you reflect and plan for the future.
Our sports activities help you to meet new people, build your confidence and improve your communication skills.
Motivation
CFO activity hubs will help you find something new to focus your attention on, and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It could be arts, music, sport or working with your community, a good routine will help you develop healthy habits and be motivated to move forward.
A safe space
The CFO Activity Hub is a safe space for all, where no one will judge you and you can come as you are.
It’s a space where you can get on with what’s important to you. You can decide which activities you take part in, and do as many or as few as you like.
The hub will also have women-only times, and specialist activities for groups including over 50s and disabled people.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be over the age of 18
- Must be unemployed
- Must legally have permission to live and work in the UK
- Must be serving a current community sentence or be under supervision on licence
How to join
Taking part is voluntary and you can work at your own pace. To join your nearest hub, you can contact us yourself or perhaps ask someone else to make contact on your behalf.
Everyone taking part will be supported by a named adviser. No two people are the same and neither are two CFO Activity Hub experiences. Your adviser will answer your questions, explain the support available to you, enable you to select the right help and advocate on your behalf to get the support you need
Contact us or speak to your Offender Manager to find out more:
Email: CFOactivityhubs@shaw-trust.org.uk
East of England: 01733 979060
East Midlands: 0116 497 3400
West Midlands: 0121 827 0540