Frequently asked questions

Q. What do you mean, when you talk about Restorative Justice?

A. This started as a means of bringing offender and victim together. The aim was for the offender to apologise for his actions, and to offer some reparation to the victim. The concept has now broadened to include work, like that of the Inside Out Trust. This gives opportunities to 'restore' the offender to the community, by giving him work which helps other people. We believe strongly that everyone needs a chance to help meet other people's needs. This form of restorative justice breaks down barriers, creates greater understanding between different groups of people, and reduces reoffending.

Q. Does the Inside Out Trust need volunteers?

A. This can vary from region to region. Please contact the Regional Co-ordinator most local to you, to enquire if they currently need any help. All volunteers are interviewed and screened in the same way as paid staff.

Further information on volunteering within the Criminal Justice system can be found here - What Can I Do?

Q. Do you need second-hand equipment for use in prisons/can I donate a wheelchair/bicycle?

A. We have reliable sources of most of the resources which prison projects work on. If you have bulk supplies of second-hand bicycles, wheelchairs or old computers, please get in touch with our Regional Offices to arrange collection / delivery.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept small or single donations of any item, because travel, collection and delivery costs do not make it economical. Please also note that our Administrative office in Hurstpierpoint does not have any storage facilities.

• For information on donating old computers, please visit www.computer-aid.org
• For information on donating old bicycles, please visit www.bikerecycling.org.uk
• For information on donating old wheelchairs, please visit www.throughtheroof.org
• For information on donating any other equipment, please visit www.tfsr.org/tools.htm

Q. Where does your money come from?

A. Our budget for 2005 is about £1million. About 30% of this comes from European Social Funding and the Prison Service. The remaining 70% comes from grant-making trusts, individual donors, partner organisations and fundraising events. We rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations to support our work and are grateful for donations of all sizes. You can make a gift through our website.

Q. Why should I bother about people in prison?

A. On a practical level, if prison inmates are given the chance to improve their skills and feel a connection to the community to which they will return, then they are less likely to offend again. On a human level, if prison can be an opportunity for people to feel better about themselves and less distant from the rest of us, that is good for society in general.

Q. Shouldn't we be more concerned about the victims of crime?

A. Help for victims is very important, and increasingly is being provided by other organisations. But with the help of Restorative Justice processes and rehabilitation for prisoners as well, then we can help prevent more, future victims.

Q. There are so many 'good causes', why should I support this one?

A. We believe that what we do benefits the community in all sorts of ways, including:

• helping prisoners to gain skills which help them and their families towards a better life
• helping to protect communities from the effects of repeat offending
• providing people in poor countries with goods and services which we take for granted

Q. How would you spend my donation?

A. Here are some examples of what we can do with your donation or grant:-

• £25 buys a set of training books for prisoner Braillists
• £100 pays for the delivery and collection of a consignment of wheelchairs between a prison workshop and a beneficiary organisation
• £500 buys equipment to print and bind large print books for young visually impaired children
• £1,000 pays for tools and spare parts to start training for young offenders in computer technology
• £5,000 sets up a multi-skills training workshop for young offenders
• £26,000 will pay the salary of a project team member for a year

We are members of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). You can make a donation by using your CAF account card, CAF cheque or by telephone. If you are a UK taxpayer, you can make a Gift Aid donation which enables us to reclaim the tax you have paid. We have a simple form for this purpose. We will send you one at your request. Visit our Donate page for more information. Thank you.