The Free Talk Intervention

The Free Talk Intervention Programme provides a methodology to create the tools to change, to create a positive mindset and a new way of thinking, using a holistic approach for adults and the Child First Approach for young people.

Individuals will learn to recognise impulsions that may lead them to challenging behaviour, and to create strategies to encourage positive attitudes, relationships, behaviours, and cultures.

The programme is a mixture of discussion and written exercises, undertaken as a cohort and usually over 12 weeks. This helps individuals to realise they are not alone with their problems and to create best practices in common situations and also allows for more specific and introspective inner work.

We have experience of working with people who are offenders, with drug and alcohol dependency, who are experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and other challenges.

We also work with young people at risk of gang crime, county lines, serious crime and anti-social behaviour.

Where we work

  • We deliver the Intervention across all categories of the Criminal Justice System - remand, youth jails, open prisons and A-CAT/long term. Our programme can be tailored to fit your requirements.

  • The Intervention is very effective when used with young people, particularly those who may be at risk of gang involvement, county lines or serious violence. However the programme is successful with all young people as part of a pastoral/PSHE support programme across a term or half-term.

  • As the programme focuses on mindset change and skills building, it is an effective programme to use with people on deferred prosecution schemes. The overall programme is bolstered by 1:1 support and exploration of hope and ambitions, along with the tools to achieve these with a tailored plan.

  • As offenders are being released with shorter notice periods, we offer the programme to aid resettlement into the community. Again, the programme can be tailored accordingly for different groups and needs

Julie’s Story

“During my relationship of five years, I experienced domestic violence from my ex-partner. I was heartbroken and suffering from depression and anxiety. I had no support network or family connections while struggling with drug addiction. I ended up going to prostitution and soon I was convicted of GBH with intent and ended up in prison for five years. On my release I was lucky enough to come across the Free Talk Programme and although sceptical at first I took part. I am so grateful I have met Diamond and the facilitators, they have helped me so much with setting targets and help me immensely with achieving my goals, they have given me so much strength, aided me with support and assisted me with advice, training and employment. I am currently working in retail. I now look to the future and have a plan. I have dreams that are now within my reach.

The Free Talk showed me empathy and compassion and taught me about change - it also taught me how to change my way of thinking.

I want to let people like me to know how thankful I am and for my positive experience of attending the Free Talk and how it has changed my life for the better. From down to making choices and breaking bad habits and changing my actual lifestyle.”

Get in touch

If your organisation is interested in benefitting from The Free Talk Intervention programme, contact us and we’ll get back to you within two working days. We can provide more detailed information and a bespoke quote.

e: info@thefreetalk.org
t: 0117 403 4152

or complete the form.