My Time with Sussex Pathways

As I prepare to leave Sussex Pathways and begin a new chapter in my career, it feels like the right time to reflect on what has been an incredibly rewarding journey.

I joined Sussex Pathways in October 2024, and, from the very beginning, I was given opportunities that challenged me, inspired me, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. One of the highlights of my time here was working alongside a colleague to establish the Kintsugi course at HMP Lewes. As the course had never been delivered in a prison before, it came with plenty of challenges, but together we successfully got it off the ground. Since then, it has continued to run at Lewes, and it has been a privilege to facilitate.

Seeing the impact the course has on the men who attend has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Time and again, I have seen participants become invested in the process, often surprised by how much they gain from it. It has been inspiring to witness how much they value the space, the conversations, and the opportunities that Sussex Pathways provides.

Another aspect of the role that I have truly enjoyed has been supporting men through gate meets on their release day. Having the opportunity to see first-hand the challenges people face as they leave prison has been both eye-opening and invaluable. Those experiences have deepened my understanding of the barriers many encounter and reinforced the importance of a holistic, person-centred approach to support.

Alongside my role at Sussex Pathways, I was also studying part-time for a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology at the University of Greenwich. Sussex Pathways supported me by allowing me to work four days a week, giving me dedicated study time throughout my course. In October 2025, I graduated with a Distinction, an achievement that I am incredibly proud of and one that would have been much harder without the flexibility and encouragement I received from the organisation.

In September 2025, I took some time away to travel around Australia. I had expected that I would need to resign from my role, but the team were incredibly supportive and kindly kept my position open, allowing me to return in February 2026. That level of support and trust is something I will always be grateful for.

Looking back, I cannot fault the support I have received from Sussex Pathways. The team have supported me throughout my journey, both professionally and personally, and I have learned an enormous amount during my time here. My confidence has grown significantly since joining in 2024, and that is largely thanks to the encouragement, guidance, and opportunities I have been given.

While I am very sad to be leaving, I am also incredibly grateful for the experiences I have had and the colleagues and friends I have made along the way.

I am now moving into a new role as an Assistant Psychologist, working across HMP The Verne and HMP Portland. This is an exciting step forward in my career and a fantastic opportunity to continue learning and developing within the criminal justice system. Although I will be leaving Sussex Pathways, I will take with me everything I have learned here and the many memories I have made along the way.

Thank you to everyone at Sussex Pathways for being such an important part of my journey.