“The effectiveness of the justice system depends on the dedication, commitment, and well-being of those who work within it. If the staff is not supported, the system cannot succeed.”
– George J. Mitchell (former U.S. Senator)
PROJECT M-PAVE
PROJECT M-PAVE
Who is working on it?
M-PAVE is an Erasmus+ -funded KA210-VET – Small-scale partnership in vocational education and training between RICHTUNGSWECHSEL and Promimpresa. This project actively supports the Pact for Skills ‘Liberate Skills’ and its pledge to increase the professionalisation of correctional staff. The project aims to create a structured mentoring program for correctional staff, using insights from the PRISGRADS project and mentoring models like the Unlocked Program. Focusing on reflective practice, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and communication skills, it aims to reduce burnout, improve job satisfaction, and foster professional growth. The project will deliver a validated mentor training curriculum for high-stress settings, align training with labor market needs, and initiate a scalable, adaptable mentoring framework for European correctional facilities.
Project ID: 2024-2-AT01-KA210-VET-000276861
This project addresses the significant challenges faced by European correctional staff, including burnout, high turnover, and limited support, which impact prison environments and rehabilitation efforts. By establishing a structured mentoring program for staff, it aims to supply a framework to improve staff well-being, retention, and professional development, which are crucial for effective, humane prison systems. The program supports SDG goals, promoting decent work, lifelong learning, and safer communities by reducing recidivism through better-trained, supported staff and inclusive prison practices.
The project targets four main groups within prison institutions:
- Front-Line Prison Staff – Includes officers, mental health professionals, and social workers who will benefit from the training framework in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and communication to enhance job satisfaction and retention.
- Existing Mentors – Current mentors will receive advanced training to better support front-line staff and foster a collaborative learning environment.
- Prison Administrators & Decision-Makers – Their involvement is crucial for alignment with institutional goals, promoting program adoption, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
- External Experts & Collaborators – Organizations like Unlocked Graduates and Mentoring Austria will bring specialized knowledge, ensuring the program’s adaptability and grounding in best practices across European prison systems.
These groups contribute to the program’s development, implementation, & sustainability.
The project is synthesizing research, developing a mentoring workshop & conducting interactive webinars for prison staff. Expert feedback will refine mentoring content, followed by an in-person workshop in Italy with practical exercises for validity. Virtual seminars will disseminate the framework across Europe, accompanied by evaluations to measure impact.
Management involves regular meetings, quality control, & sustainability planning to foster long-term engagement and international collaboration.
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Virtual PRISGRADS Seminar
We are thrilled to announce that our next virtual PRISGRADS seminar will take place on January 29th, 2025!
This seminar offers a unique opportunity to engage in international discussions and gain valuable insights into updates from the PRISGRADS project.
Seminar Overview:
Time: 10:00–13:00 (CET)
Location: Online
Preliminary Agenda:
- 10:00–11:00: Keynote and expert contributions
- 11:00–12:00: Project updates, presentations, next steps, and group work
- 12:00–13:00: Networking opportunity and virtual marketplace
Let’s continue working together to build something truly impactful!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Sign up here: https://shorturl.at/kf0mX
Can’t attend the full seminar? No problem—feel free to join partially!
Stay Connected:
Throughout December, we’ll share updates and exciting content about the seminar and the PRISGRADS project. Be part of the conversation—join our PRISGRADS LinkedIn group if you haven’t already:
https://lnkd.in/dhraAvgW
M-Pave Updates: News and Insights
TEAM INTROS Gabriela
TEAM INTROS 👀 💫
(Scroll for 🇬🇧 )
🇦🇹 Heute stellen wir euch wieder eines unserer Teammitglieder bei @richtungswechsel.at vor 💥
Als nächstes möchten wir unsere großartige Mitarbeiterin für Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, Gabriela Machado, vorstellen! Gabriela ist seit April Teil von Richtungswechsel und beschäftigt sich mit der Erforschung von Best Practices mit Schwerpunkt auf Lateinamerika, Portugal, Spanien und Italien sowie der Öffentlichkeitsarbeit.
Gabriela kam zu Richtungswechsel, nachdem sie uns im März auf dem @rescaled_movement Symposium in Brüssel kennengelernt hatte. Wir glauben an wertvolle Begegnungen und sind stolz darauf, Gabriela in unserem Team zu haben!
🔐 Mit ihrer Leidenschaft für die Rechte von inhaftierten Personen und ihrem weitreichenden Wissen in Forschung und Praxis in verschiedenen Bereichen des Strafvollzugssystems liefert Gabriela uns äußerst wertvolle Einblicke und unterstützt unsere evidenzbasierte Praxis.
Schaut auf unserer Website & LinkedIn 🚀 (Link in Bio)
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🇬🇧Today, we will introduce another essential member of our team at @richtungswechsel.at to you 💥
Next, we would like to introduce our amazing Public Outreach Collaborator, Gabriela Machado!
Gabriela has been a part of Richtungswechsel since April and is involved in researching best practices with a focus on Latin America, Portugal, Spain, and Italy and public outreach.
Gabriela joined Richtungswechsel after meeting us at the @rescaled_movement Symposium in Brussels this March. We believe in fruitful encounters and are proud to have Gabriela on our team!
🔐 With her passion for prisoners rights and incredible background in research and practice in various parts of the criminal legal system, Gabriela gives as hugely valuable insights and supports our evidence-based practice.
Check out our website & LinkedIn 🚀 (Link in Bio)
