What is Think First?
Think First is a group programme which can help you keep out of trouble in the future. The court has ordered you to follow this programme as part of your sentence.
How will it help me?
The programme will teach you new skills and ways of coping with problems. This will help you stay away from crime in the future. The skills you learn will also be useful in dealing with other problems and difficult situations.
What will I do in the group?
You will:
- Work with other people in the group on how to deal with problems
- Try new ways of thinking about problems and making decisions
- Learn how to deal with problems without offending.
You must:
- Attend and take part in all sessions.
- Face up to what you have done and, if need be, change your life and lifestyle to avoid re-offending.
- Do work at home between sessions.
You must agree to:
- Arrive on time and stay to the end
- Take part in the exercises
- Arrive with a clear head, not under the influence of drugs, alcohol or solvents
- Treat tutors and other group members with respect
- Respect confidentiality
- Turn off your mobile phone.
The structure of the programme
The group programme runs for 22 sessions. Each session lasts 2.5 hours and can be during the day or in the evening. You will also have meetings on your own with your probation officer before, during and at the end of your programme.
We will also ask you to attend three additional sessions. Two of these sessions will be to complete pre and post-group questionnaires and the third will be an introductory session which will give you an opportunity to meet other group members and tutors.
What happens if I miss a session?
You have to come to every session. If you miss a session, you will need to do a catch-up session before you can carry on with the group. If you miss two sessions without good reason you will be in breach of your order and you will have to go back to court.
How will I know if I am making progress?
Before the group starts we will ask you some questions. We will ask the same questions when the group ends. What you say will show how much your skills and views about things have changed. Your probation officer will talk to you about this. We will also report back regularly to your probation officer who will talk about your progress to you.
Diversity
Gloucestershire Probation is committed to valuing and respecting differences between individuals. If you have concerns or questions about race, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, child care or other issues which might affect your ability to take part in the programme, please discuss this as soon as possible with your probation officer.
Thinking Skills Programme
In 2010 the Think First programme will be replaced with the Thinking Skills Programme. Information is provided in the Thinking Skills Programme leaflet found below:
