In Prisons
BACO is a wholly voluntary organisation operating in Buckinghamshire (Bucks) and Milton Keynes (MK). We aim to help offenders change their lives, break their cycle of criminal behaviour and reintegrate back into society. Fulfilling this aim makes a contribution to economic and social well-being, community cohesion and safety.
We work in co-operation worth the prison, probation and young offenders services but independently of all three.
Our prime purpose is to provide grants to support;
- prisoners serving in prisons
- prisoners released on temporary licence (ROTL), who are undertaking voluntary work, education or employment to prepare for their release
- prison leavers
- young people at risk of offending
The aim of providing the grant is to provide something tangible which helps the person on a well defined self improvement plan including helping them to resettle after release.
We want prisoners to know that our Members care about them and want to be a part of their progression to becoming active contributory members of society upon release.
Mens’ stories…
HMP Grendon
‘I would sincerely like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved within your organisation to bring about change within me. The commitment and dedication your members show towards your own cause is absolutely remarkable’
‘Just a quick note to say thank you very much for helping me to sort out the books for my degree. The whole process was really quick once I’d spoken to you and I’m now using all of the books to help me study.’
HMP Springhill
‘I was recently provided with a grant of £150 towards my Personal Track Safety course. I have now completed the course successfully and am in the final process of getting a job with Coyle Rail. I would like to take this opportunity to thank BACO for making this life changing course possible and securing a good stable job that will enable me to turn my life around’
‘In recognition of the valuable contribution BACO makes to the residents of Springhill, we the prisoners would like to run a special Charity event.’
With Probation
A prisoner leaving prison will usually receive a discharge grant of £82.39. If they don’t have work upon release they are entitled to benefits which usually take a minimum of two weeks to arrive. With no other funds the ex-offender has £5.88 per day to live on.
A prison leaver living in Buckinghamshire or working with a Bucks probation office can apply for help via their probation officer. Grants are made to help with securing accommodation, equipping a home with essential items, vocational training or educational courses.
‘I just thought I would give you an update. A few weeks ago you very kindly agreed to £100 for a service user I am supporting through Education, Training & Employment (ETE). Initially I found it very difficult to buy a used fridge in good condition as they sold so quickly. I am pleased to say I managed to buy one this week, I also bought him a new kettle, toaster and microwave with the remainder of the money. I have everything in my car and with his officer have arranged to deliver the items to him this afternoon. He has been overwhelmed you have been able to do this for him and I can’t thank you enough for assisting. He has had some good news he will be moving shortly into a more suitable flat in a better location which the mental health team have arranged. This will be nearer to his Mum who he visits every day, so I am hoping this will help to stabilise his mental health. Please thank everyone at Baco.’
With Buckinghamshire Youth Offending Service
Buckinghamshire Youth Offending Service is a multi-agency partnership, sitting within Buckinghamshire’s Children’s Services. They work with children between the ages of 10 and 18 who have offended or are at risk of offending. Many of the children they work with are extremely vulnerable to exploitation, mental health issues, substance misuse and other issues. Many are also in care.
‘Your support has been a lifeline for our children’
Buckinghamshire YOS Officer
