Unlock - for people with convictions
Unlock is an independent award-winning charity for people with convictions. We provide information, advice and support through our websites and helpline to assist you in overcoming the stigma of your criminal record. We also advocate for a fairer and more inclusive approach by employers and push for changes in government policy.
Helpline – confidential, expert peer advice by telephone, email and letter to people affected by a criminal conviction. Common areas we cover include understanding the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, the way criminal record checks work, disclosing to employers, applying to colleges and universities, buying insurance and travelling abroad.
Case work – there may be some instances where we can intervene when somebody has been treated unfairly because of a conviction.
Our website – unlock.org.uk provides online self-help information, covering a wide-range of issues that convictions can affect. The information is kept up to date, and is available as downloadable guides to share with those without the internet.
Disclosure Calculator – our disclosure calculator is a unique online tool that makes it simple to calculate when convictions become ‘spent’ and no longer need to be disclosed. It can also work out whether a conviction will be filtered (removed) from standard and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates.
Online Forum – forum.unlock.org.uk provides the opportunity to engage in a positive, forward-looking network and provide peer support to others.
Unlock – for people with convictions
Maidstone Community Support Centre
39-48 Marsham Street
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 1HH
01634 247350 or 07824 113848
advice@unlock.org.uk