The Bendrigg Alternative Scheme

Take Responsibility, Build Confidence, Give Back

The Bendrigg Alternative (BA) scheme  provides the opportunity for offenders or people ‘at risk’ of offending, to work alongside disabled people throughout their stay at Bendrigg Trust.

Since the scheme’s inception in 1991, many people have benefited from such a positive and powerful experience, which has helped change the way they think and relate to others. Thereby reduce their offending behaviour.

“Getting to know the children and being a part of their day-to-day regime was one of the most humbling things I have ever done ~ an experience second only to the birth of my 4 children, without doubt. I feel so grateful to be given the opportunity to be here.”

How Does The Scheme Work?

The Scheme provides people with the opportunity to give something back to society, to look at themselves and to put a new perspective on their lives. Volunteers have opportunities to give their time and energy to others, share in what really matters, be trusted and valued and be responsible for others.

The experience they have at Bendrigg often puts their life into context, to see things differently and importantly to be ‘themselves’, which is very difficult when in a custodial situation.

What is truly amazing is that everyone rises to the challenge and makes the most of their experience and their time at Bendrigg. It may be hard to believe but, whilst they are here, almost all are selfless and happy to focus on others instead of themselves. As a result they leave on a real high, feeling very pleased with themselves, positive and motivated and able to take something beneficial back into their own lives.

Confidence is a big thing for me, especially being shy. I was initially holding back because I was apprehensive about the bigger size of the group but I pushed myself forward and got involved. The group were so nice they made it easy for me to relax and be more myself. Being here puts things into perspective. Where I am… it’s easy to whinge about things but places like this make me realise how fortunate I am. The children have disabilities but they can still be positive… so why can’t I?

How do you decide which group has a BA volunteer?

The individual school or group is given full responsibility to decide whether they would like to have a ‘BA’ volunteer supporting them during their stay.

If so, a suitable candidate is found by the scheme’s Co-ordinator. ‘BA’s’ can either be on a probation programme, serving a custodial sentence or working towards education and/or employment and the scheme has now been running for over 25 years helping around 30 people annually.

The Impact Of The Scheme

Helping people who have a history of offending has always been an integral part of Bendrigg’s philosophy and we are delighted to have provided placements with such a positive and often life-changing experience.

We frequently hear how much their experience has meant to them and how significantly it increases their confidence and self-worth.

There is a clear need for the resettlement of offenders and this scheme is proud to do just that. The visiting members of staff are also very grateful for the extra support these volunteers willingly give.

Placement reports are written and provide feedback, which can be used as a testimonial or as favourable evidence for a parole board or potential employment. A committee oversees the scheme and meets quarterly.

The Bendrigg Alternative annual report, which includes many personal statements by the volunteers can be provided on request.

To share just how much of an Impact the scheme has for the volunteers, we wanted to share a selection of personal statements to sum up just how amazing this experience is for the people who are fortunate enough to benefit from it.

It is hard to contain the emotion involved when talking about Bendrigg Lodge. ‘Giving back to society’ is a cliche that is over-used at the best of times, only at Bendrigg is it real.

 

The Bendrigg Alternative scheme allows people such as myself to show who we can be. It gives us the opportunity to repay the faith shown in us, that we can make amends for our mistakes and channel those efforts into something amazing.

 

By going to Bendrigg, I gained confidence in my ability to be socially interactive again. It allowed me to be tested but tested in a positive way by being of assistance to those who need it most.

 

The Bendrigg experience allows us, as offenders to remove the institutionalised feelings we have, where we are rewarded with trust, kindness and honesty. It helped me personally accept who I was and that I have a worth. This has held no bounds upon release as I am now finding success in work and most importantly with my family.

 

Bendrigg has helped me through the toughest time of my life. It has given me goals to reach in terms of time…in terms of a distraction from my current position. My experiences at Bendrigg have given me the mantle to really believe in and value myself in a more positive light

 

They loved the swing today ~ in fact I got a bit emotional ~ a big guy like me. It touches your heart, I didn’t expect that. Also, I am pleased I have been judged for who I am and not from just being in prison

 

Coming here does make you think differently; it puts things into perspective. I’ve been in prison for only a few years and I’ll be out ~ these guys are in wheelchairs all their life. I have really felt useful to people this week

 

It has been nice to sit down with people who know nothing about you and can only judge you for the person you are

 

Confidence is a big thing for me, especially being shy. I was initially holding back because I was apprehensive about the bigger size of the group but I pushed myself forward and got involved. The group were so nice they made it easy for me to relax and be more myself. Being here puts things into perspective. Where I am… it’s easy to whinge about things but places like this make me realise how fortunate I am. The children have disabilities but they can still be positive… so why can’t I?

 

My highlight this week was being with Matthew in the archery. He has a general weakness of the body so I helped by holding his bow whilst he pulled the string and… he hit the target every time! He punched the air with delight ~ it was a lovely reaction. And it was lovely when he left because he gave me a really big hug. It has been an absolute pleasure… amazing!

 

I felt I was more able to help the tutors and visiting staff with this being my 4th time. I am gaining more knowledge of myself ~ seeing I am more capable than I ever expected. I live in a bubble and this place absolutely bursts that bubble. You can’t come here and not respect people

 

This here at Bendrigg is so different from where I live and seeing the different life-styles of the teenagers… it puts life into context. I was thinking… I think everyone should volunteer here for a week because you learn such a lot and you can give something back. I would love to do it again; I phoned to tell my Mum about it

 

Being in ‘real situations’, dealing with teenagers with tantrums and not just being in prison. Just seeing people with good nature ~ going out their way to help others. It’s been give, give, give and not just take, take, take. It was amazingly important for me to come out here.

 

If you would like to find out more about our BA scheme please contact our friendly team on 01539 723766 or via our contact form.