Trailblazers Mentoring

Established in 1998, Trailblazers Mentoring was the first prison-based mentoring charity in England to provide 'through the gate' support to young offenders, by working with them for six months whilst in prison, and up to nine months post release. Through a team of seven staff and 120 volunteers, we currently operate in four institutions, in London (Wandsworth and Isis), Aylesbury, Bucks and Brinsford in the West Midlands. We prioritise those whose offending history and willingness to embrace the programme suggest they are most likely to benefit. Our mentoring programme helps offenders address their behaviour, looks at barriers to reducing re-offending, and offers alternatives, helping with some of the basics – advice on accommodation, managing finances, opportunities for education, employment or training. Without these the temptation to re-offend is often too strong. To sustain them post release, they also need help with day to day life on the outside, at least until their life has acquired some equilibrium.