Promoting Social Inclusion by Enabling Individuals and Developing Communities
What is CARD?
The CARD (Closing A Revolving Door) Project aims to help break the cycle of crime in
the lives of men released from Exeter prison into the local area by providing
a mentoring service.
Volunteer mentors are trained and supported by the mentor coordinators. The mentor is matched to a prisoner as early in the prisoner's sentence as possible, to provide support during the period of resettlement into the local community.
A relationship will be built and sustained throughout their remand or sentence to prepare for effective re-settlement. The relationship will not stop there. Volunteer mentors will continue to offer support after release, and the project staff and volunteers work closely with the Resettlement Team at Exeter prison and a range of community based agencies.
Stakeholders and Support
The CARD Project is managed by a committee composed of ECI trustees and representatives
from the relevant statutory and voluntary organisations to reflect the interests
of criminal justice and social inclusion.
- Financial support comes from the following principal sources:
- Devon and Cornwall Probation Area
- National Probation Directorate
- East and North Devon Basic Command Unit (Police)
- Exeter Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership
- Learning and Skills Council
- Charitable grants including Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
