Supporting people in the justice system
We want to see a justice system which supports people to rebuild their lives and stay out of prison – for good. We also want to see a focus on early interventions and community-based alternatives which prevent people from entering prison.
We work with people in prison and after their release in the community to help individuals rebuild their lives and reduce re-offending, alongside supporting diversion from custody. Lived experience and collaboration – both on a strategic and community level – underline our approach.
We also work with people serving community sentences and provide preventative work which diverts people from custody. Many people in the justice system are trapped in a cycle of low-level offending, prison, homelessness, mental ill health and substance use. Addressing these issues in the community is more effective and relieves pressure on an overburdened prison system.
We work with a range of partners including HMPPS, the Wise Group and other likeminded organisations who share our belief in the power of lived experience, relational mentoring and long-term rehabilitation.
By strengthening protective factors, we give people the stability and purpose they need to stay on track and move forward with confidence.
Diversion from custody
We provide support for people involved in the justice system alongside those at risk of becoming so.
Young adults in the justice system
We support young adults both in custody and in the community to help them stay safe, reduce their risk and access positive opportunities.
Community-based alternatives
We provide community-based alternatives to custody with the aim of providing an effective, long-term solution.
Financial resilience
We help people in the justice system become financially resilient through support with budgeting and other issues.
Custody-based training
We provide custody-based training to build skills, confidence, and employability.
Work with women
We provide specialised gender-specific support for women in the justice system, focussed around the distinct issues they face.
Through the gates support
We work with people prior to, upon and after release to ensure that basics such as housing, safety and food are in place, alongside providing emotional guidance and ensuring people are linked in with support services.
Our history
Our prison-based work began in the early 2000s at HMP Wandsworth, where we set out to stop men leaving prison with nowhere to go.
Watch this short film on our Peer Advisor Programme
Watch this four minute film to see the Yorkshire Team delivering the Peer Advisor Programme and hear from people who have benefitted from it.
