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Thank you for supporting the Oswin Project. This is our first e-mail newsletter. We plan to write a biannual newsletter to keep supporters up to date with the latest news from the Oswin Project.

The last year has been full of challenges, but we continue to work hard to create second chances for ex-offenders through training and employment. We want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you.

To download a copy of this newsletter as a PDF, use the button below

Cafe 16 in the Cathedral: Off to a Flying Start

Café 16 in the Cathedral’s Grand Opening took place on 12th August 2021, with coverage from media including BBC Look North and BBC Radio Newcastle. Since then, we have seen a steady stream of customers; from those excited to see the Cathedrals transformation, to a growing number of repeat customers.

The Café has been privileged to cater for several events; which include hosting university staff as part of Northumbria University’s Graduation ceremony, the Legal Services Letters Patent Evensong, as well as Newcastle Lay Ministries, Newcastle Readers Association, and the Friends of St Nicholas, and an event honouring the Bishop of Newcastle in her Retirement.

Feedback from visitors has been extremely positive, and the impact of Café 16 can be seen in the words of an Oswinner working there: “Everyone is so friendly and genuinely supportive. Having a routine, a reason to get up in the morning, it’s hard to put into words. It makes a massive difference”

Small and Large event booking can be made by contacting Clare Guiney at clare.guiney@oswinproject.org.uk Look out for festive specials and treats throughout the holidays.

Café 16 in HMP Northumberland

Our team at Café 16 in HMP Northumberland have been hard at work producing baked goods for Café 16 in the Cathedral, as well as providing a takeaway service for prison staff. The team has benefited hugely from our new kitchen canopy, purchased thanks to generous support from the Kerry Community First Endowment Fund, and The Hokey Cokey Fund. The Canopy keeps temperatures manageable, making for a safe and comfortable working environment, so the team can focus on developing their skills and making delicious bakes and cakes.

Inside & Out

The Oswin Projects new initiative, combines our Gardening, Landscaping, Decorating and Property Maintenance programmes, to form a team that can tackle work “Inside & Out”.

Their latest job required combining and extending an array of skills. Precision setting of ceramic flags, building railway sleeper walls, block paving and concrete edging along with the laying of turf and gravel beds would carefully bring together all aspects of the job. The Oswin Project provided all the support needed to deliver the highest standards, earning the respect not only of the client but also of passing tradespeople and neighbours.

Green Open Day

At the instigation of the Oswin Project a green open day was held at HMP North Sea Camp on 28th June 2021 in conjunction with the New Futures Network.

The event was the result of a campaign the Oswin Project began in March 2020, highlighting that the double disruption of Brexit and COVID could be significantly negated by employing prison leavers and prisoners Released on Temporary Licence. The 30 specially selected guests were shown the prisons farm and green houses, spoken to by prisoners, staff, the CEO of the Oswin Project and Lance Harris of the New Futures Network, and given lunch (with all the ingredients from pork to salad produced on site).

Before the green open day 9 prisoners were in paid work. Now no one in the prison is unemployed. The 45 men picking, and packing have hit all their targets and are in line for a bonus, showing the employees ability and commitment. 120 HGV drivers are being trained by a food supplier and distributor. As a direct result of the days success the prisons service are building more accommodation to provide a larger labour force.

The green open day was only possible because of the willingness of HMP North Sea Camp to participate and invest time and effort in the event and the support of the New Futures Network. Leaving prison with a job significantly reduces the likelihood of reoffending, so the success of this initiative has huge implications for individuals as well as the economy.

Cafe 16 on Deliveroo

Café 16 in the Cathedral will soon join Deliveroo; providing a selection of our delicious cakes and bakes brought straight to you. More information early 2022.

Hire our Inside & Out Team

The team handle lawn care, flagging, patios and easy-care garden solutions (including weed control, pruning of bush, and hedges etc.) as well as painting, decorating, and property maintenance.

For a free, no-obligation, quote call: 07486 364583, or Email: trish.wilson@oswinproject.org.uk

Fred’s Story

Fred joined the Café 16 team at HMP Northumberland in October 2020. His love of cooking was immediately evident, and he enjoyed trying out new recipes. He did not always find following instructions easy and got frustrated when things did not go his way. As his confidence grew, so did his understanding of and ability to deal with different situations.

As his release date got closer, Fred was keen to remain involved with the Oswin Project and Café 16. He was an excellent candidate for our soon to open Café 16 in the Cathedral. In the week after his release, he joined the Cathedral Café team.

With the café’s opening having been delayed due to the Covid crisis, Fred became a key part of the effort to get the café up and running . He worked hard cleaning, painting, planning, and organising for the opening of Café 16 in the Cathedral. His employment meant he was able to move into his own flat.

The Cathedral café opened in August 2021 and Fred is now preparing dishes and serving customers and loving the work he does. His soups are especially popular and delicious. Reflecting on his experience, Fred told us:

“I liked working in Café 16 in the prison, I really enjoyed cooking and all the support from everyone at Oswin. Working in Café 16 has helped me to move back into society, my days are filled with a job I really enjoy doing”

A Huge Thank You to our Generous Funders and Supporters

The 1989 Willan Charitable Trust*

The Ashcroft Charitable Trust

The Badur Foundation

The Barbour Foundation

The Beatrice Laing Trust

The Finn Family Fund

The Finnis Scott Foundation

The Garfield Western Trust

The Greggs Foundation

The Hadrian Trust

The Hilden Charitable Fund

The Joicey Trust

The Kerry Community First Endowment Fund*

The Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales

The National Lottery Community Fund

The North Steads & Sisters Wind Farm Community Fund*

Pattisons Estate Agent*

The Postcode Neighbourhood Trust

The Purvis Foundation

The RW Mann Trust

The Sir James Knott Trust

The Hokey Cokey Fund*

The Worshipful Company of Grocers

*at The Community Foundation, Tyne and Wear Northumberland.

The many individuals who have made significant donations but wish to remain anonymous, the regular givers, the fund raisers’ and our volunteers who generously donate their time and enthusiasm.