The Ireti Project
‘Ireti’ (ee-re-tee) means ‘hope’ in the Yoruba language. This project is aimed at individuals serving long-term and life-sentences and is designed to encourage hope to individual by nurturing purpose. At a fundamental level, the project is comprised of several components, including but not limited to:
Befriending service – We work with people enrolled on the project for long haul by offering a friendly, reliable ear to build a healthy rapport, and informal relationship whilst they are in custody. We know there can be lonely spells and trying periods for those serving prolonged sentences so we want to be able to provide a non-judgemental and safe connection; someone who can be there for them.
Ever-Changing Programme – As with all our programmes, the overarching theme is identity. This is a 12-month programme focusing on the individual and their journey. We look at who they were prior to the sentence; how that processed has changed them and who they are have become/becoming looking at their current circumstances. The programme aims to create fresh goals for them during this period to give them something to work towards and they will have the opportunity to work on a project of their choice.
Quarterly subscription service – Individuals can sign up to receive a quarterly newsletter delivering a curated list of positive news articles, stories and highlights of events around the world that have taken place in last quarter. This is a highly effective tool in combating the negative news that circulates all too quickly without access to verify sources and can also help to improve overall mood and raise morale amongst individuals.
Restorative Justice - A long-term goal of the project is to hold restorative justice conferences that can help bring healing and closure to chapters in people’s lives. This will be the culmination of our 12-month programme and aims to deliver the optimal rehabilitative environment as well as healing and closure to peoples lives.