our vision
Release is driven by the belief that restoration is possible for every person. We envision an Ireland where people with offences are treated with dignity, supported to live transformed lives and make positive contributions to their communities.
our ethos
We are faith based but not faith biased and serve all clients with the same uncompromising love, respect and dedication; regardless of offence, religion, race, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or family status.
We are founded in the belief that we are all created in the image of God regardless of who we are, what we have done or where we have come from. We believe no life is beyond the reach of God’s unconditional love. We see the whole person and pursue fulfilment of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health for each of our Service Users.
our mission
Pursuing our aims to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to people imprisoned by addictions, marginalised by imprisonment and social exclusion, supporting them holistically through love, non-judgmental care and assisted rehabilitation. Release believes that a restorative approach to prisoners, former prisoners and all those affected by crime and incarceration can make communities safer and healthier.
Our Ministry is founded on the conviction that all people are created in God’s image and that no life is beyond God’s reach. As Christians, we believe that Jesus offers hope, healing and a new purpose for each life. He can make even the most broken people and situations whole again. Those who once broke the law are transformed and mobilised to serve their neighbours, replacing the cycle of crime with a cycle of renewal.
our Programmes
Mentoring
We match self-selected or prison staff nominated prisoners with our team of trained volunteer mentors. These mentors meet to build relationships and self-esteem, and provide consistency and accountability in the lives of our service users. These relationships continue as the service user completes their sentence and is returned to the community.
group work in prison
We teach empathy and build positive, sustainable support groups through our group work in prisons. Some of our programmes include Communication Skills, Restorative Justice and Music Nights. We create relationships which extend beyond prison and assist in reintegrating back into communities.
DROP-IN sUPPORT
Release offers a drop-in facility for ex-offenders seeking support and assistance with employment, education, accommodation and addiction counselling.
practical help
Leaving prison is challenging - navigating accommodation, entitlements, a changing city and technology can be overwhelming. Release helps ex-offenders build practical plans for reintegration and provides referrals to our partners in The Lighthouse, Jobcare, Pathways, Tiglin, and others.
our team
Our small staff and over 50 volunteers bring multi disciplined approaches to our rehabilitative work.
Directors
Patrick McRann (Chairperson), Fiona Daly (Secretary),
Raymond Kenny, Jeffrey Gibbon & Daniel Byrne
CEO - Philip Larragy
Watch Philip and our other advocates speaking at the event sponsored by the EU Erasmus plus programme event
Our Achievements
Since 2016, Release volunteers have supported hundreds of prisoners across the Mountjoy, Arbour Hill, Cloverhill ,Cork and Midlands prisons.