The Clink

I make no apology for posting a group snap . This is to illustrate a brilliant place - The Clink restaurant at Brixton Prison. I went  today with a group who had organised a lunch outing to The Clink and kindly let me join in. Clink restaurants are a rehabilitation programme staffed by volunteer prisoners who want to get into the catering industry on release. 

The reoffending statistics are shocking. Apparently 47% of released prisoners reoffend  within 1 year. But for those who have gone through this programme there is a 12% reoffending rate. An astonishing difference. 

The food was excellent and we were able to chat to the inmates serving us and ask them questions. They were all very friendly and enjoyed the work. At least two who are coming out this summer have already been offered jobs on the outside.

Its a great story. There are a number of branches of The Clink around the country. They are a registered charity but run at a loss. So do visit them because they are such a great idea. Your lunch will help support them.