SUPPORT FROM EX-OFFENDERS
The network raises awareness of the various avenues of help available, and creates an ecosystem of understanding and peer support between community partners, offenders, and desistors – ex-convicts who have successfully remained offence-free.
“Inmates and ex-offenders will be able to relate to their life experiences, making the desistors a powerful source of inspiration,” said Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim during the launch of the initiative on Friday (Apr 15).
“Through mutual exchange and sharing of life experiences, we believe the desistors can sustain their motivation, strengthen their conviction, and cultivate positive mindsets and attitudes that are key to long-term desistance.”
Another former inmate-turned-mentor is Mr David King Thorairajan from charity organisation Singapore After-Care Association.
The volunteer noted he has seen inmates and ex-offenders struggle to maintain close relationships with their loved ones, and said they need a boost in their self-esteem to prevent them from reoffending.
“I hope to encourage others in need as I was once in their shoes,” said Mr Thorairajan, adding he wants to motivate mentees in coaching, business empowerment and relationship strengthening.
COUNSELLING AND JOBS
Partner agencies have committed to providing various forms of support for ex-offenders, including counselling and job placements.
For instance, Pertapis Halfway House provides rehabilitation programmes while inmates are still in prison to prepare them to rebuild their lives after release. Social enterprise Findjobs will help former convicts look for jobs in a fast and efficient way.