Established in 1998, Trailblazers is a UK charity which provides 1:1 mentorship and practical support to people in prison and post release. Our goals are to prevent reoffending and improve outcomes for those leaving prison. Our work inspires and encourages people to change their future, rebuild their lives and make a positive impact on their community. Trailblazers provides mentoring and practical support to around 170 people a year, while they are in prison (6 months leading to their release) and for a further period (up to 12 months) in the community post-release.
Trailblazers currently delivers services in 5 prisons and surrounding communities in London, West Midlands and the Southeast: HMP Brixton, HMPYOI ISIS, HMP Featherstone, HMPYOI Brinsford and HMP Bullingdon. Trailblazers’ staff and volunteers work in both the prisons and the community to ensure a wraparound service and practical support is provided to remove barriers to reintegration.
Our long term, tailored and regular support, is hugely valued by mentees at a time in their lives when they are very vulnerable. Many are mistrustful of the organisations they have come into contact with (e.g. police, HMPPS, education, social services) and many have had chaotic childhoods. As a result many have low self-belief and esteem, limited or no family networks and are not well equipped to live independently (e.g. poor digital awareness and access, poorly equipped to access and apply to support agencies e.g. DWP, GPs). We aim to give individuals the confidence and skills to navigate ‘life on the outside’ and avoid recidivism.
To date, we have supported over 3000 young men post release. The re-offending rate for our clients released Jan-Dec 2023 was 9% compared to the national average rate of 55% in their first year after release. In addition, over 76% of mentees have benefited from at least one practical support item – removing barriers to successful reintegration back to the community. These include food and clothing vouchers, a mobile phone, travel cards, setting up benefits, a bank account and, critically, a valid ID (without which it is almost impossible to open a bank account, secure accommodation and employment). In 2023, 56% of mentees engaged in education, employment or training opportunities following release (compared to 17% national average). A significant achievement for many who have never had a job before. Over 90% of Trailblazers’ mentees feel less isolated and more optimistic about their future and 86% believe they are unlikely to re-offend post release.
Can you commit a few hours per week to mentor a young man who has recently left prison and support them to gain meaningful education, training and...
Can you commit half a day per week/fortnight to mentor a young man in prison that has 6 months left of their sentence and support them to settle...
