Our Impact

Below are some key facts and figures that illustrate the work we do and the outcomes we achieve.

ARKRS typically works with adult males who have been convicted of a criminal offence and are transitioning from prison or the criminal justice system, subject to our risk assessment policies and procedures. ARKRS service user characteristics may include the following:

• Most ARKRS service users have spent time in prison, some may have received a community supervision order.
• ARKRS’s service users are adult males, between the ages of 18-45+. Currently, 55% of ARKRS service users are aged 18-30, with 44% of service users aged 30-45. ARKRS also works with a small number of older services aged +45yrs.
• 84% are ARKRS service users are BAME; 53% are young Black males, while 12% identify as ‘white’ and 4% as ‘white – other’. ARKRS’s predominantly Black leadership and staff make it well-placed to engage, understand and meet the needs of the young Black males that are referred to our services.
• Service users can be referred from any London Borough, but most are referred from Lansdowne Probation Office, Enfield Probation Office, Haringey Council (Homelessness Prevention Team), HMP YOI Isis & Bromley PDU and HMP, St Mungos.
• Our service users typically come to us with a range of complex needs. In addition to employment, training and health needs, most service users show signs of trauma, and many come linked with mental health support. Indeed, most people leaving prison have some form of undiagnosed mental health issue.
• Service users are encouraged to partake in productive activity that might lead to employment. Their engagement with Education, Training and Employment (ETE) has a major influence on the level of engagement they have with the service. Currently, 3% are in training, 4% of service users are in full-time education, while 20% are in employment.

• The total number of referrals received from 2023 to 2025 was 443, which was a 209.7% increase on the previous year.
• Over 90% of candidates referred were from BAME communities.
• 90% of service users have reported improvements in physical and mental health, such as reduced stress and anxiety, increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
• The re-offending rate for ARKRS service users sits below 20% – significantly lower than the national average.
• 80% of ARKRS beneficiaries have secured an interview since its inception, with 20% securing employment within 12 months, and 40% entering further education or training.
• Service users have completed vocational programmes in painting and decorating, plumbing and personal training. A number of service users have completed their CSCS cards so they can work on construction sites.
• Of the 4 men who had applied to University, 2 enrolled onto their courses, while 2 were recalled back to prison. Ark staff maintain contact with these service users through the Email a Prisoner service. Both service users still wish to progress onto University when they have come out of prison.
• Increase of higher education – going to university to study business management, engineering, art and design, jewellery making.
• One of the service users has recently been released and ARKRS are looking at rehousing him. ARKRS staff have met up with this service user to support him with a new UCAS application for University.