News

A message from our CEO

I am very pleased to announce that on 1st November 2022, the Social Interest Group is looking forward to welcoming Safe Ground as a new subsidiary into our Group of charities. Safe Ground brings a long history of pioneering design and delivery of effective group work programmes, which they deliver in prisons across the UK. These programmes benefit and impact by reducing re-offending. They make a difference to those who attend the programmes from within the criminal justice system and their families. There are additional programs available and bespoke programs for prison and probation staff. 

I am immensely grateful to Charlie Weinberg, CEO of Safe Ground, for building evidence-based programmes that make a difference in people’s lives. I am also thankful to Charlie Weinberg and the Safe Ground Board of Trustees for their vision and commitment to joining the Social Interest Group. I am committed to supporting the good work of Safe Ground to ensure it continues to grow and make a difference in people’s lives. 

Gill Arukpe, Group Chief Executive of The Social Interest Group

Charlie summarises her sense of the moment:

“Safe Ground has been a labour of love for me for 12 years. I have learnt and grown with the organisation, and the success of moving it into the Social Interest Group is a way of demonstrating our values into action. The integrity, values and open approach the Social Interest Group has shown match our priorities. We look forward to building on our long history together.”

Diane Lennan, Chair of Safe Ground, said:

“As Chair of Safe Ground, it has been a privilege to work with the ambition, commitment and dedication of the staff and Board members. We are delighted to share our future with the Social Interest Group.” 

About Safe Ground

In 1995, Safe Ground pioneered family relationships programmes in UK prisons. In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Family Man and Fathers Inside Safe Ground developed the first-ever arts-based family programmes for men in prison and their families. Since those early days, and under the leadership of Charlie Weinberg from 2010, Safe Ground has continued to deliver excellence. The organisation achieved the first-ever MoJ Data Lab analysis and a 40% reduced re-offending rate, delivering direct work to 8,000 men in 80 prisons. It generated an unrivalled evidence base and created bespoke therapeutic, arts-based group work nationally across community and secure settings. Today, Safe Ground has a delivery network of 10 prisons and potentially more to join in 2023.