Who are we — RELEASE

our vision

We are founded on the belief that all people are created in God’s image and that no life is beyond God’s reach. God has the power to transform those who are broken and make their lives whole again.

Through our various programmes we hope to bring the good news that restoration is possible to those who are imprisoned by addictions, marginalised by incarceration and social exclusion.

Release believes that a restorative approach to prisoners, former prisoners and all who are affected by crime, is an effective way to see the whole person and pursue fulfilment of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

our ethos

We are faith based but not faith biased and serve all our clients with the same uncompromising love, respect and dedication; regardless of offence, religion, race, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability and/or family status.

We envision an Ireland where all who are affected by crime are treated with dignity, supported to live transformed lives and make positive contributions to their communities.

our Programmes

Mentoring

We match self-selected or prison staff nominated prisoners with our team of trained volunteer mentors. Our mentors meet to build relationships, increase self-esteem, and provide consistency and accountability in the lives of our service users. These relationships have the potential to blossom and continue as the service user completes their sentence and is returned to the community.

group work in prison

Through the Sycamore Tree project, we teach on the principles of Restorative Justice and through group work we build positive and sustainable support. All who partake in the course are impacted by the transforming course contents.

DROP-IN sUPPORT

Release offers a drop-in facility for ex-offenders seeking support and assistance with employment, education, accommodation and addiction counselling.

practical help

Leaving prison can be challenging; having to navigate through accommodation, entitlements, relocation and ever advancing technology. Release can help with practical plans for reintegration and referrals to our partners such as The Lighthouse, Jobcare, Pathways and Tiglin.

Since 2016, Release volunteers have supported hundreds of prisoners across the Mountjoy, Arbour Hill, Cloverhill, Cork, Castlerea, Portlaoise, Limerick and Midlands prisons.