Footprints is proud to announce we will be taking part in the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge. While we prepare for winter and this time of giving, consider donating to our project. The campaign page will go live soon but until it is available, this page will contain all the information you need.
"I have personally seen the difference that Footprints has made to a number of my clients, that is why I recommended your service”
What is the Christmas Challenge?
The Big Give is the UK’s leading match funding platform that connects philanthropists, foundations, businesses and other funders with the giving public and charities that need their support. The Christmas Challenge is their flagship online match funding campaign, launching each year on Giving Tuesday. It brings together a diverse range of charities working across every charitable sector, both in the UK and overseas.
For seven days, supporters of participating charities can have their donations doubled. Donations made during the campaign are matched using funds provided by the Big Give’s Champions and charity Pledgers, helping charities raise more, reach new supporters and make a bigger impact.
The Situation
Often female offenders can struggle to get employment. 74% have mental health issues and 68% were unemployed before their conviction. Due to their experiences, they can struggle with social isolation and low self-esteem and many lack official qualifications, have childcare responsibilities, disabilities or mental health problems. Without a dedicated pathway into employment, they are prevented from gaining meaningful employment, which can add stress, isolation and lead to re-offending.
Our Solution
Second Chances our art group helping women tackle their past trauma, decrease social isolation and improve mental health. We are expanding Second Chances to include a dedicated training, employment and production arm that will guide vulnerable women into economic activity while providing structured production sessions to help make the items we sell at events, online and at retail shops.
"I really enjoy art; it takes my mind of things, it’s a new skill. I’ve learnt new things and the people that run it are friendly and helpful and supportive. Art is [how I] meet new people."
Second Chances' Employment Pathway is split into three tiers.
A therapeutic art group focused on building stability and improving mental well-being and social engagement.
A group focused on developing skills to begin producing saleable items, gaining experience in a professional setting and receiving references for opportunities they want to explore outside Footprints.
Part-time or full-time employment within the project producing saleable items.
This framework provides a clear pathway for women with support and training built in.
To find out more about the women we support, listen to or read their stories from our recent art exhibition here.
The Goal
£16,800
To employ Development Manager part time (0.4 FTE) for 12 months inc. on-cost
The money donated will go towards hiring a Development Manager to improve our online range and secure retail opportunities, increasing income to support the direct employment pathway and increase sustainability.
We will;
- support up to 20 women in Tier 2 to improve their skills and employability (including references for attendance, on-time participation, and reliability). Success is 80% of these women regularly attending sessions and returning to economic activity.
- offer 4 women employment as Studio Assistants to make items for sale. Success is 75% staying with the project for at least 6 months, increasing their long-term financial resilience.
- hire a Development Manager to secure 10 retail partnerships and launch our online range, increasing sales (to be self-sustaining by the end of year 2).
- support up to 20 women in Tier 1 to increase their emotional stability, mental well-being, and social inclusion. Success is for 85% of these women to increase their self-esteem and decrease social isolation, and for 45% to increase their mental well-being and financial resilience.
Budget or Project Variations
If we do not reach the amount needed to hire the Development Manager, we will reduce the contract term to 6 months (8.4k) or redistribute the donations to support the running costs of Second Chances (20k per annum). Additional funds would also be redistributed for this purpose. This includes paying for workshops, staff, art equipment, and sessional wages for the Tier 3 6-month pilot (4k), which employs vulnerable women as Studio Assistants to produce saleable items.
"Great project and some brilliant work. The world is a better place for it."
Double the Difference
The Christmas Challenge is a match-funded event that doubles the value of your donation at no extra cost.
The Big Give Christmas Challenge goes live midday on Tuesday, 1st December and closes midday on Tuesday, 8th December. Save the date. 10% of our capital comes from public support. All donations, no matter how small, help us in our mission.
Thank you for any and all support.
