"Goal setting isn’t just about planning the future; it’s about taking control of your present. At New Ethos, we believe that each small step forward creates a path to lasting change. Together, we don’t just set goals, we build futures."
— Shai, HR & Marketing Director, New Ethos Nottingham
At New Ethos Nottingham, we work with individuals who have faced significant challenges, including ex-offenders transitioning back into society. One of the most critical tools we use to support our residents is the weekly goal setting and support sessions. These sessions, formerly known as keywork sessions, are the cornerstone of our rehabilitative approach. They provide a structured, supportive environment where residents can assess their progress, set achievable goals, and receive guidance tailored to their individual needs.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why these sessions are so important, the process of booking and conducting them, and how they help to foster long-term growth and reintegration. Our aim is to help you understand the vital role these sessions play in promoting personal accountability, mental well-being, and social reintegration.
Why Weekly Goal Setting and Support Sessions Are Essential
Consistency and Structure Weekly sessions offer structure, a crucial component for ex-offenders who may have been living without clear goals or routine. Structure helps reintroduce discipline and order into their lives, essential for those adjusting to life outside of prison. Regular meetings encourage responsibility and self-awareness, enabling residents to establish healthy patterns and routines over time.
Personalised Support Every resident at New Ethos Nottingham has unique circumstances, and our goal setting sessions reflect that. We take a holistic approach, considering their personal history, challenges, and aspirations. Whether someone needs help securing identification documents, finding employment, or reconnecting with family, we offer tailored support to ensure they’re making meaningful progress.
Building Confidence and Accountability Setting achievable goals builds confidence. Many ex-offenders struggle with self-esteem, and by breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps, they can experience regular accomplishments. This sense of achievement promotes personal accountability, as residents begin to take ownership of their goals and their progress.
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Goals Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Our weekly sessions allow us to monitor progress closely and adjust goals as needed. This flexibility ensures that residents are always working toward objectives that are relevant and realistic for their current situation. It also keeps them motivated, knowing they can recalibrate their path without feeling overwhelmed.
Providing Emotional and Practical Support In addition to goal setting, these sessions provide emotional and practical support. Many ex-offenders deal with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, or trauma. During our sessions, we offer a safe space for residents to talk about their concerns and struggles, helping them manage their emotions while also addressing their practical needs.
The Booking Process for Goal Setting Sessions
At New Ethos Nottingham, the process for booking goal setting and support sessions is straightforward but designed to be as convenient as possible for residents.
1. Online Booking System
Some residents prefer to schedule their sessions through our online booking system. This system is user-friendly and allows residents to choose a time that fits their schedule. Once booked, they’ll receive a confirmation email or text message with details about their session, ensuring they don’t miss it.
2. Phone Call Bookings
For residents who prefer a more personal touch, they can book their sessions over the phone. This method ensures those without easy access to the internet or who are more comfortable speaking to someone directly can schedule their session.
3. Letter Correspondence
In cases where residents are not reachable by phone or online, a letter will be posted, providing information about their first goal setting session. This ensures no one misses out on these essential weekly meetings, regardless of their circumstances.
What Happens During a Resident's First Goal Setting and Support Session?
The first goal setting session is a foundational moment in each resident’s journey at New Ethos Nottingham. Here’s an overview of what happens:
Introduction and Rapport Building The session begins with introductions, as establishing trust is crucial. We discuss the purpose of the sessions, ensuring the resident understands that these meetings are designed to support their journey toward independence and stability.
Assessing Immediate Needs In this initial meeting, we assess the resident’s immediate needs. Do they have identification documents such as a passport or driver's license? Do they have a bank account? Are their ineligible payments, such as fines or court costs, up to date? Addressing these needs forms the foundation of the resident's long-term goals.
Setting Short-Term Goals Next, we work together to set short-term goals for the following week. These might include registering with a local GP or dentist, getting in touch with family members, or contacting a probation officer. These goals are specific, measurable, and attainable within the short term, which helps residents experience immediate success.
Introducing Long-Term Goals While the focus is on immediate steps, we also discuss where the resident would like to see themselves in three months, six months, and beyond. These long-term goals might involve finding stable employment, securing housing through the Nottingham City Council waiting list, or enrolling in an educational program. We aim to foster a vision of the future that residents can work toward incrementally.
Support Services Overview Lastly, we provide information about additional support services available at New Ethos Nottingham. This includes referrals to mental health services, addiction recovery programs, or employment training, depending on the resident’s needs. By the end of the session, the resident leaves with a clear set of next steps and a sense of direction.
Why Weekly Follow-Up Is Important
Consistency is key in the process of rehabilitation and reintegration, which is why we hold these sessions weekly. Follow-up sessions allow us to track each resident's progress, celebrate their achievements, and address any barriers they may have encountered. Here's why regular follow-up is so critical:
Maintaining Momentum Without regular follow-up, it’s easy for residents to lose sight of their goals, especially when they face external challenges. Weekly sessions help maintain momentum, ensuring they stay on track and continue making progress.
Adapting to Changing Circumstances Residents' circumstances can change quickly, and having weekly check-ins allows us to adapt their goals and support based on their current needs. Whether they face a new legal hurdle, a health issue, or a housing crisis, we can adjust their action plan accordingly.
Accountability These sessions also reinforce accountability. Knowing that they’ll meet with their support worker every week encourages residents to stay engaged with their goals. This regular accountability is vital in helping residents take ownership of their rehabilitation process.
Providing Emotional Support Weekly sessions offer a consistent emotional support system. For many ex-offenders, isolation and loneliness are significant challenges. By providing regular opportunities to talk about their feelings and concerns, we help them manage the emotional toll of reintegration.
The Role of Support Workers in Goal Setting Sessions
At the heart of every goal setting session is the support worker. Here’s how we, as expert support workers, help residents navigate this process:
Active Listening One of the most important skills we bring to these sessions is the ability to listen actively. We make sure to understand the resident’s concerns, hopes, and struggles before offering advice or guidance. Active listening helps build trust and ensures we’re providing support that’s truly meaningful.
Empathy and Understanding Our residents often come from challenging backgrounds, and we approach every session with empathy. We understand that setbacks are part of the process, and we focus on encouraging growth, not judgment.
Practical Guidance Beyond emotional support, we offer practical solutions. Whether it’s helping residents complete paperwork, make phone calls, or find community resources, our job is to remove as many barriers as possible, making it easier for them to succeed.
Providing Hope and Encouragement Many of our residents struggle with a lack of self-belief, especially if they’ve experienced repeated failures in the past. As support workers, we provide consistent encouragement, reminding them that they’re capable of achieving their goals, no matter how many setbacks they’ve faced.
How Goal Setting Sessions Improve Long-Term Outcomes
Goal setting and support sessions aren’t just about short-term wins; they’re about long-term success. Here’s how these sessions improve outcomes for our residents:
Improved Mental Health Regularly setting and achieving goals helps improve residents’ mental health. Success, even in small steps, boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of purpose.
Increased Employability By addressing practical needs like acquiring identification, enrolling in education, or securing housing, these sessions improve residents’ employability. Many of our residents go on to secure stable employment, which is a key factor in reducing recidivism.
Stronger Social Networks These sessions help residents reconnect with their families or build new social networks. Having a strong support system is critical for long-term success, providing emotional stability and practical support when needed.
Lower Recidivism Rates Ultimately, the goal of our program is to reduce recidivism. By helping residents build sustainable lives, with stable housing, employment, and social support, we significantly reduce the likelihood that they’ll reoffend.
How to Book a Session with New Ethos Nottingham
Booking a session is easy and can be done in three ways:
Online: Our website offers an easy-to-use online booking system where you can schedule your goal setting and support session at your convenience.
By Phone: You can call us directly to book your session and speak to a support worker who will assist with scheduling.
By Letter: If you’re unable to access online or phone services, a letter will be sent to you with your appointment details.
At New Ethos Nottingham, we believe that goal setting is the foundation of personal growth and reintegration. By providing consistent, structured support through our weekly sessions, we help residents take control of their lives, overcome challenges, and work toward a brighter future. Our goal is not only to assist with immediate needs but to empower individuals to create long-term positive change in their lives.
We encourage all residents and community members to take advantage of these sessions as they are an essential part of our holistic approach to rehabilitation and support. Whether it’s securing housing, gaining employment, or simply setting small personal goals, the weekly goal setting and support sessions are designed to help residents succeed every step of the way.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can build a pathway to a more stable, fulfilling future.
For more information or to book a session, please visit New Ethos Nottingham, or give us a call to speak with one of our experienced support workers. We're here to help you take the next step in your journey.
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