Our Work in Action

Here , two of our team (Vicky Waller Project Manager and Neal Allistone Specialist Delivery Officer), take a look at two of our service offerings in action: Through the Gate support and restorative justice.

Through the Gate

Volunteer George supported a prison leaver throughout 2024, helping him take a significant step back into education by enrolling on a bridging course, with the aim of progressing on to a degree.

At the time, the client was experiencing quite severe anxiety. To help build his confidence, George regularly travelled with him and attended the initial university classes alongside him, remaining present until the client felt comfortable managing independently.

George gradually stepped back and the client successfully completed the course and secured a place at university on a degree programme.

Below is an email update from the client to George received in March this year:

 Hi George, 

It has been a long while, hasn't it? I hope that you've been keeping well. 

I just thought that I'd get in touch to let you know that I am still at university, in my final year and doing well. Also, here's a little shock for you, I'm also planning on doing a masters! 

When I receive dates for my graduation, I am going to invite you to come, if you can make it! None of this would have been possible without you. 

All the best,

Restorative Justice

In March 2026 the first Restorative Justice Conference in HMP Lewes since before Covid took place. This was a facilitated conversation between a Harmer and their Harmed. Two facilitators from the  Restorative justice partnership, Nicky from Sussex police and Jan one of Sussex pathways dedicated volunteers have been working with both parties for some months to support them in the preparation to bring them together to talk about what was going in their lives when the incident happened and the impact on each of them and the lives of all those affected by the incident.

Much work has been put into place by staff in the prison to support the welfare of the harmer before and after the meeting and he has said that it was one of the scariest but most rewarding things he has done. The same dedication to  support the Harmed was also done, the harmed has said that they found the meeting to be so rewarding and like a weight has lifted.

Restorative Justice is a powerful process which can support victims in recovering from the harm caused by criminal acts and also helps to reduce offending behavior in those who take part.