Creativity, Self-Reflection and Through the Gate Care

At Sussex Pathways, our work centres on empowering people in the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives, reconnect with their communities and find sustainable pathways away from reoffending. Two of the most impactful strands of this work are our Through the Gate support and our group programmes: Pathways to Change and Kintsugi.

These approaches work together to increase confidence, emotional resilience, stability and a sense of self-worth, factors that are proven to lower the risk of reoffending. Below, we explore these programmes and share a real case study that illustrates the importance of coordinated support.

Pathways to Change

Pathways to Change is a weekly life skills group designed to help prison residents to prepare for a successful release. ​It is structured around the Seven Pathways to Rehabilitation, factors recognised by government as those which can influence whether a client re-offends:

• Accommodation

• Attitudes, thinking and behaviour

• Children and family

• Drugs and alcohol

• Education, training and employment

• Finance, benefit and debt

• Health

Participants frequently tell us how transformative the group is:

“ The group is amazing, extremely well run, every session has a covered topic that has encouraged discussions in the group and has given me a valuable insight into my thoughts and feelings.  The course could be longer as it is very valuable” (RB)

“ This group/course is very beneficial, being able to express myself, deep dive into my emotions and understand why I react the way I do. I think this course should be mandatory because without understanding why we react and commit crime, rehabilitation is not possible. More sessions should be added as the benefits are great” (KR)

“Most positive thing I have done while in Lewes. Mentors provided fresh perspectives, and group was very supportive” (ZD)

“It should be longer, overall very good. It has helped me explore my emotions further and understand myself more. (JA)

These insights highlight how essential space, reflection, and guided discussion are for personal change.

Case Study: Through the Gate Support for a Recalled Prisoner

Client Profile

• Name: Logan (pseudonym)

• Age: 21

• Gender Identity: Non-binary

• Background: Raised in the social care system from age 3

• Diagnoses:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

  • GDD (Global Development Delay)

  • Dissociative Personality Disorder

  • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

These conditions contribute to significant challenges in social interaction and heightened anxiety, which can manifest as behavioural issues when engaging with the public.

Context

Logan was convicted and incarcerated at HMP Lewes. After a previous release, they were recalled to prison. Sussex Pathways became involved to provide Through the Gate support on their release day due to Logan’s high-complexity needs.

Pre-Release Coordination

• Sussex Pathways liaised with Probation, Housing, and Adult Social Services.

• Prison staff reassured Logan prior to release and confirmed that supported accommodation had been secured, preventing homelessness—a major source of anxiety for Logan.

Day of Release Support

• Two Sussex Pathways staff members met Logan in the prison Reception area.

• They escorted Logan through the gate and accompanied them to the train station for travel to their Probation appointment.

• During the journey, Logan expressed anxiety about being late. Sussex Pathways staff contacted Probation to explain the delay (due to prison release timing), ensuring Logan would not face repercussions.

• This intervention significantly reduced Logan’s stress and prevented potential non-compliance.

Post-Probation Support

• Sussex Pathways staff attended the Probation meeting with Logan to ensure understanding of requirements.

• They then coordinated with Adult Social Services, arranging a handover to a social worker who transported Logan to their supported accommodation.

Outcome

Logan expressed gratitude for the support provided, noting that it helped them remain calm and navigate the day without stress. The collaborative approach between Sussex Pathways, Probation, and Social Services ensured a smooth transition and reduced the risk of further recall.

Key Learning Points

• High-need individuals require multi-agency coordination and intensive support.

• Early reassurance and practical assistance (e.g., transport, communication with agencies) can significantly reduce anxiety and improve compliance.

• Through the Gate support is critical for vulnerable individuals to prevent homelessness and reoffending.

Kintsugi

Kintsugi means “golden joinery" - a Japanese art form where broken pottery is repaired using seams of gold. Rather than hiding cracks, it honours them as part of the object’s history. This philosophy provides a powerful metaphor for recovery and rehabilitation. Supported by trained facilitators, participants create an object from clay, decorate it, break it and finally repair it using the Kintsugi method. Alongside this creative work, the group has safe, reflective conversations about life experiences and recovery.

Many residents tell us the course helps them view their past differently, develop self-compassion, and appreciate their capacity to rebuild:

“ We covered a wide range of topics, I found "Repairing" the most interesting . Kintsugi made me think of my life to come.  I would recommend it to others as it helped me so should help others. The content was inspiring.“ (MG)

“I think the content is brilliant. The whole process (making, breaking, repairing) was very exciting, love every part of it. Everything in life is fragile and can be easily broken, but at the same time you can fix it if you put the effort in." (AG)

Bringing It All Together

Whether through creative expression, life skills development or practical support, Sussex Pathways is committed to helping people develop resilience, self-awareness, and hope for the future.

Logan’s story shows the critical importance of multi-agency, compassionate Through the Gate support, while Pathways to Change and Kintsugi  reveal how structured reflection and creativity can transform self-understanding. Together, these interventions reduce reoffending, promote stability, and help individuals recognise their own worth and potential.