A Bolton-based social enterprise, Entrepreneurs Unlocked, has raised over £10,000 from its successful crowdfunding campaign, the Build Back Up Project. Thirty supporters have raised the funding to help prison leavers into self-employed work in construction.

The Build Back Up Project, for prison leavers, will provide access to training resources, assist with finding work in construction, and give 30 prison leavers the essential tools and workwear they need to enable them to accept any offer of work as subcontractors.

David Morgan, the Founder of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, said: “I am delighted that the crowdfunding campaign has been successful. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, from receiving the first few donations and building up the funds to the tension of the campaign’s last week to fund the project fully.”

“It is proven that prison leavers with a work plan upon leaving prison to control their income will be much less likely to re-offend and return to the prison system. On average, 45% of adults released from custody re-offend within 12 months. The Build Back Up Project will help to buck this trend by providing our 30 prison leavers with the support they need to rejoin society.”

“I intend to reach out to organisations that currently work with former prison residents and construction companies and get the project up and running as soon as possible.”

Who Are The Build Back Up Project Supporters?

Supporters of The Build Back Up Project include The Forward Trust and Skills Max, who donated substantial amounts to the crowdfunding campaign.

Tevfick Souleiman, Social Enterprise Development Manager at The Forward Trust, said: “I am so pleased that the Build Back Up Crowd Funder project has reached its £10k target.

“With the support of Forward’s £5k match funding, you can now offer the crucial training, tools and support to 30 prison leavers to become self-employed. This will help rebuild the lives of those taking part, in terms of employment and new skills being learnt, to help progress the participants’ lives.”

Lynne Johnson, the business owner of Skillsmax, a non-profit business that focuses on mobilising communities, said: “I’m delighted for those who will benefit from this fund. Reaching the target is a testament to the sector’s confidence in David’s knowledge, skill and passion.”