Poundbury business owners are proud to be helping prisoners with their rehabilitation.

Healthy pet supplement firm Dorwest Herbs has announced it has been working with and supporting the 100 & First Foundation charity, which aims to help stop prisoners from re-offending.

The charity runs courses in prisons with the aim of changing offenders' mindsets by giving them inspiration, hope and self worth to create a positive personal change.

The Bars to Business project run by the charity teaches business skills over a four week course.

During the four-week course, prisoners recognise a small business idea, develop the necessary entrepreneurial competencies and produce a simple business plan to effectively communicate their idea.

To conclude, they must deliver a pitch to an audience of family, friends, senior prison staff and business leaders.

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Dorwest Herbs directors Jo and Ben Boughton-White have recently been part of the pitch panel, giving feedback to potential entrepreneurs, drawing from their own experience.

 Jo said: “The Bars to Business project was a pleasure to be part of, supporting our local community and helping ex-offenders grow their entrepreneurial skills, looking to return to society successfully with a fantastic business plan.”

On top of all of this involvement, Jo and Ben are also proud to continue to be involved and sit on the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Portland.

Employment Advisory Boards were launched to advise, support and challenge prisons on their training and employment offer to prisoners and prison leavers. 

Their goal is to see more people leave prisons and enter sustainable employment.

They work closely with prison governors and staff working across education, employment and resettlement, to understand where they can add value. 

The aim is to encourage businesses, both national and local, to engage with the prison and offer their resources, connections and knowledge to help those living and working in the prison to prepare for and find work on release.

The boards link prisons to leading business figures such as Jo and Ben who can offer their expertise on the skills, qualifications, and training needed to help prisoners re-enter the workforce.