FTC, from its conception, has always held the belief that if resettlement was to be truly effective the work should begin as early as possible and that support should continue post release.FTC's prison based programmes have had tremendous success through fostering strong relationships with agencies and organisations working in the community but it was always the case that once our client passed through the gate we lost contact with them and they more importantly lost the supportive environment they found at FTC.The first stage of providing support for ex-offenders in the community was realised on the 26th September 2006, when FTC opened its first Training and Resource Centre in Hackney, East London. This centre was then joined by a second at Lambeth on the 2nd June 2008. As there was no official financial support for such a step, both centres are privately funded.Support on offer in the centres includes:Employment searchHelp with accomodation issuesBenefits & debt controlAdvice on how to open bank accounts & obtain identificationInterview techniques, disclosure, CV building & covering lettersAdvice on training and education including help with finding suitable coursesHelp completing complicated application forms