INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES

Whether your husband or wife, son or daughter, mother or father - it is devastating to feel helpless as a close family member becomes involved in crime, drugs or alcohol addiction.

Often, there is a sense of having nowhere to go - that society will no longer accept that person, that employment will be difficult and that the cycle of crime and addction will continue.

It is common sense that anyone who has made a mistake in their life should have the opportunity to make amends - start again - build a new life. Otherwise, we simply accept the growing numbers of our prison populations.

But, we know that it's difficult to do alone.

The Gateway Foundation was founded by Richard Taylor - the Associate Pastor of one of the UK's largest churches and a global television presenter and speaker. Richard's story, however, started with a life of crime and drug dependency.

His remarkable story is testament to the power of change and the Gateway Foundation was established to help others to achieve their own ambitions and goals - despite difficulties that they may have had within their life to date.

Many people in prison will already know of Richard and The Gateway Foundation. His autobiography was delivered free to over 70,000 prisoners throughout the UK.

So - what does the Gateway Foundation do? Quite simply, the foundation tailors a programme of support and mentoring to suit the individual. Support can include securing academic or vocational training - at all levels - assistance with gaining work experience and employment - and providing a mentoring environment with a group of similar people who will work together to achieve their goals.

If a member of your family feels that they would benefit from the assistance of The Gateway Foundation, they should ask their local church, probation officer, social worker, prison chaplain or other welfare official to write to the Gateway Foundation, outlining the individual circumstances.

We, unfortunately, cannot accept applications from individuals as the process requires a personal letter of support from someone who knows your family member and will support their application.