CEO's September Update: Recall Prisoners and Rehabilitation Projects

What an amazing Summer we have had. The sun has certainly shone on Sussex this summer, and now as we head to the Autumn season, walking on crunchy leaves underfoot, wondering if we should put a jumper or coat on, and wondering how many pay days before Xmas, I would like to give you updates, thank yous, sad goodbyes and au revoirs, plus save the dates.

Thank you 

I would like to say a huge thank you to Sussex Innovation in Falmer. Daisy (People, Culture and Operations Manager), has thankfully granted us her volunteer hours to complete our newsletter every month, and look at our Social Media. This is such good news for a small Charity like ours, as it allows us to spend much needed grant funding and donations on front line work, thank you Daisy. Along with this, they have allowed us access to a room once a month for a couple of hours. Again this is invaluable to us as a Charity, the rooms are so bright and airy, have all the mod cons, and we are forever grateful to Sussex Innovation for their support and Charity towards us.

 Residential Housing Project (RHP)

This project is slowly taking shape as we explore all options, dot our i’s and cross our t’s, We have our lovely Helen taking on all the leg work, and ensuring that once this project is up and running it will have been explored inside and out, so that we can run this project with the Prison and Probation in full support. This is going to take time while we get this right, so please bear with us.

SSK Probation Services Contract

We are now contracted by SSK probation services to meet recall prisoners at the gate on release. This is a huge undertaking for Sussex Pathways as Lewes has so many recalls going back into prison, but this work is vital if we want to support prisoners in making different life choices, so that they don’t get recalled. Vicky (Project Manager for men and women) had 10 gate meets last week, and 8 this week, with the list for next week already building. If any of our volunteers feel that they can take on more volunteering hours and do a few gate meets, please contact Vicky so that she can look at the geographies of where the men are going and who is available. Thank you.

Prison Groups 

Prison groups are running on a weekly basis, as usual demand is high for both ‘Pathways to Change’ and ‘Kintsugi’; both groups need at least two people supporting them. We would love to chat to any volunteer that is willing to give up half a day every week to support either group. At present two staff members have to be available to run the groups, having volunteers on a regular basis could ease the pressure on the staff. Please talk to Vicky in the first instance to let her know if this is something you would like to think about, and how this could look.

CRC's 

Changes in the Probation services (CRC’s) are taking shape, with the new commissions being in place by 2027, watch this space!

Goodbyes and Welcomes 

We say a sad farewell to Kelly this month, as she sadly leaves us for pastures new abroad. This is a big loss to SP but an exciting adventure for Kelly.

We will say au revoir to Niamh next month, as Niamh and her partner go travelling around Australia for six months, but don’t despair, Niamh will be back next March.

We welcome two of our volunteers to the staff team. Daisy and Julia have both been volunteering for the TTG project and have now taken up posts within the prison. Both ladies are going to do a brilliant job and fit in really well with the existing team. Welcome onboard Daisy and Julia.

Dates for Your Diary

• Saturday 13^th Sept – Lewes Crown Court open day, if you wish to support manning our table please do let shirl@sussexpathways.org.uk know, or just go along and enjoy the day, lots to see and learn.

• Monday 15^th  to Thursday 18^th Sept  - Online RJ foundation training do let shirl@sussexpathways.org.uk if you would like to join the training

• Wednesday 15^th October – Staff, Volunteers and Trustees training around the use of ‘AI’ and SP polices new polices covering ‘AI’ please contact Paulal@sussexpathways.org.uk for more information

  
  

Volunteer Network Meeting Dates

• Wed 3^rd Sept (online) hosted by Paula, RJ updates

• Wed 1^st Oct (In person) King’s Church, Lewes, hosted by Carly, ‘What is Kintsugi?’

• Wed 5^th Nov (In person) King’s church, Lewes, hosted by Neal, insight into a ‘Pathways to Change’ session

• Wed 3^rd Dec (in person) King’s church, Lewes, hosted by Shirl (CEO) come and join me for mince pies, a good old fashioned natter and a tea or coffee and start the festive feel 😊

• Wed 7^th Jan 2026 (Online) hosted by Vicky, a full update on the men’s and women’s projects

• Wed 4^th Feb 2026  (In person) Hosted by Neal, insight into the last session of ‘Pathways to Change’

• Wed 4^th March 2026  (Online) Hosted by Karren, update on ‘Administration, Lamplight and Expenses.

• Wed 1^st April (in person) hosted by Volunteers for volunteers, insight into the world of being a volunteer, the highs, lows and frustrations

• Wed 6^th May 2026, (online) Hosted by the Senior Leadership Team, Sussex Pathways as a Charity, come along and give your thoughts, opinions, and questions.

Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash