AN organisation is on the lookout for Gwent-based volunteers to support a £2 million-pound project across Wales which is helping ex-offenders reintegrate into the community.

SOVA, Supporting Others through Voluntary Action has recently launched its 'Newday' programme, bringing agencies together to help people on their release from up to a 24 month prison sentence.

As part of the wider National Offender Management Strategy (NOMS), volunteers will help mentor offenders and support them with issues they face in the area of Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Caerphilly.

These include homelessness, unemployement, drug use and lack of qualifications.

Mentoring by locals has the aim of making them feel empowered, to overcome stumbling blocks and help build a better future.

Volunteer co-ordinator Martin Moore said the scheme, which has secured funding until June next year, is open to people from all walks of life, over the age of 18.

Qualities they are looking for include good communication skills, being broad minded and enthusiastic about making a difference.

Mr Moore said statistics show the chance of reoffending is cut by more than a quarter if people are supported on release from prison.

"It is about trying to give these a new chance," Mr Moore said.

"Criminal justice is about people making pay for the mistakes they make but they should also have the opportunity to make amends for them."

Local organisations such as GAVO, Torfaen Voluntary Alliance and the probation service are involved with the project.

For more information about it, call 02920 495281.

ONE ex-offender who is helping others through the mentoring scheme is Matthew Cunningham, who now lives in Blaenavon.

After leaving his London home at the age of 15, he began stealing for money and food, which escalated to more serious crimes.

But the 37-year-old, last in trouble in 1997, has turned his life around, finding solace in writing music and people he could trust.

The dad-of-two hopes to pass on his experience to others, so that they can do the same.

"I see youths on the street and think that was me some years ago," he said.

"I didn't realise the help I could have got and didn't really care. But by finding people I can trust I have turned my life around. This programme is about showing people there are other things out there than crime- I need to do this for them."