Unlock was founded by a group of former prisoners who wanted to use their experience so that people with convictions would have better opportunities to move on in their lives. We support those who have desisted from crime to live a law-abiding life. We focus on the long-term disadvantage of convictions, impacting on individuals and their families, organisations and communities, and society.
We believe people want to lead a positive life and when opportunity unleashes their potential they contribute great things. The ultimate solutions to crime lie in social, not criminal justice. Desistance from crime is a by-product of a complex long-term process of identity change and the achievement of potential. We work in partnership, and with volunteers, to achieve outcomes at both the individual and systematic level.