We prevent reoffending and improve outcomes for mentees through intensive weekly, one-to-one mentoring sessions conducted by a large cohort of volunteer mentors. This is augmented with practical support to ensure the basics for re-settlement are in place at the time of release, and in the early months post-release – a critical period for many.
Trailblazers currently delivers services in 5 prisons and surrounding communities in London, West Midlands and the South East: HMP Brixton, HMPYOI Isis, HMP Featherstone, HMPYOI Brinsford and HMP Bullingdon.
We have a range of partners we collaborate with to offer employment preparation sessions and pathways into employment. Our work encourages and inspires mentees to shape their own futures and to achieve full, varied, and independent lives through employment, training and education, to make a positive impact on their families and communities.
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 mentors get enormous value from participating: seeing their guidance meaningfully change lives and communities can be incredibly gratifying
Taking responsibility for the impact we can have on vulnerable individuals
To maintain the dedication needed to change people’s futures
To listen to someone’s story and to offer unwavering support and guidance without judgement.
To be honest and stay true to our core purpose at all times
To learn from our experience and to continue exploring new avenues to help people in the criminal justice system
