The Boats not Bars program offers serving prisoners the opportunity to experience the benefits of taking part in a group coached rowing program, initially indoors, and then outdoors on release. Past courses have shown improvements in wellbeing, in optimism about the future, and decreases in anxiety and depression. The program develops key soft skills, as well as direct employability opportunities through qualifications and links with employers. 

We aim to run a 6 week course with Level 1 Coaching certificate, and “through-the-gate” support – providing vital assistance as someone embarks on life after prison. Three out of five women who go to prison do so for less than six months, and non-payment of TV licence is the most common conviction for all women prisoners. Six months is a relatively short sentence, but is long enough to lose your job, your home, your children. We want to help all women leaving prison to get back on their feet. FRBC is proud to have over 50% female coaching team and participant numbers, and feel we have an empowering environment to nurture those needing support.

To do this we need to raise £1750. We have overcome all the other obstacles and constraints, but our final hurdle is simple - we cannot do this without your financial support.

Thank you!