This interactive session will present Forward's new Theory of Change and how an integrated approach that supports health and well-being, substance misuse, relationships, employment and housing together contribute to long-term recovery and rehabilitation. The session will include examples of different service interventions, case studies, discussion of key drivers of change' (instilling belief and hope, peer role-models, setting out clear and practical steps for lasting change, and establishing networks of support and approaches to capturing evidence of impact. There will also be an opportunity to interact with subject experts from Forward's operations team, providing real insight on what works in engaging and developing people's potential to move forward in their lives. The Forward Trust (formerly the Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust) supports over 16,000 people every year to break the cycle of crime and addiction, working in both prisons and in the community.

1. The Theory of Change
Carwyn Gravell, Julie Muir, Andy Logan, Andy Williams, Ian
Barnett
9th May 2018

2. Forward today
16,000 service
users across
England
Working in 18
prisons and 10
community
hubs
410
employees –
34% with lived
experience
“I completed the programme in 2008 at HMP Send and was released in 2014. Since then, I’ve opened
my own business and become a mother. Forward has given me more opportunities than I ever could
have imagines and they are still here for me, still supporting me”.
Former Forward client

3. Our Theory of Change
Enablers
• Belief in change - For anyone, whatever their
past
• Peer role models - Living proof that change is
possible
• Clear progression pathways - Incremental
steps towards lasting change
• Networks of support - Providing positive
encouragement and affirmation

4. The problem
Our reach & impact
Drug & alcohol recovery
55%
of prisoners have
committed
crimes related to
drug use
15,000
clients seen
every year
Reoffending costs
the public
£15 billion
each year
“I never thought it would be possible to change my
ways of crime and addiction. But I now live free from
drugs, alcohol and crime in a beautiful flat, with a full
time job and a girlfriend. I feel so positive about my
future”.
Former Forward client
65%
reduction in
the volume of
crime
18%
lower re-
offending rate
76%
of ex-offenders
with addiction
problems re-
offend within
1 year

5. The problem
Our reach & impact
Health & wellbeing
Range of new
interventions
delivered in
prison including
IAPT
25%
reduction in
severity of
symptoms of
anxiety
50%
reduction in
severity of
symptoms of
depression
71%
of prison clients
present with
mental health
symptoms
“Because of the meditation and things I’ve learnt,
like the breathing technique, helps in managing the
negative thoughts and feelings”.
Former Forward client
A prisoner
commits
suicide every 3
days
Substance
dependent
offenders with
depression are
9% more likely
to re-offend

6. The problem
Our reach & impact
Connections
We now support
over 3,000
clients to
improve their
relationships
Prisoners who
receive family visits
are 39% less likely
to re-offend
“I can’t believe how much the family service has
helped me. It’s given me the tools I need to stay
strong, as well as to support my husband in his
recovery”.
Former Forward client
40% of
prisoners say
support from
family would
stop re-
offending
88,000
children have a
parent in prison.
Only 1 in
3 prisoners are
supported to
maintain family
ties

7. The problem
Our achievements
Employment services
75%
of prisoners
have no job on
release
2,000
ex-offenders and
people in recovery
employed
23%
reduction in
re-offending
43%
move directly
into permanent
jobs
Ex offenders
and people in
recovery are the two
groups organisations
are least likely to
employ
15%
of prisoners
have never
worked legally
“Being at Blue Sky helped my become more
confident and made it easier to integrate back into
society and support my growing family.”
Former Forward client

8. Our achievements
2,000
ex-offenders and
people in recovery
employed
23%
reduction in
re-offending
43%
move directly
into permanent
jobs

9. Our Theory of Change

10. Our Theory of Change

11. The Theory of Change
Expert Panel