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Housing was identified as one of the most pressing concerns. People spoke about prison leavers being released into homelessness, unsuitable accommodation or environments that place recovery at risk. Safe housing, sober living environments and clearer housing pathways were repeatedly identified as essential. Participants described how unstable housing can quickly undermine progress made while in custody, increasing vulnerability to relapse, reoffending and social isolation.
A particularly strong theme was the perception that some people are being‘ set up to fail’. Participants highlighted concerns about prison leavers with substance use problems being plac ed in‘ approved premises’ where drug use may be common. While approved premises provide accommodation and supervision, some participants felt that they can expose vulnerable individuals to triggers and risks that under mine recovery efforts at a critical stage of reintegration. The challenge, it seems, is not simply about having a roof over someone’ s head. It’ s about creating the conditions in which recovery, stability and reintegration can become possible.
CONTINUED SUPPORT Participants recognised exam ples of good practice. Community visits into prisons, rehabilitation programmes,
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recovery organisations engaging with people before release, and through-the-gate services were all highlighted as positive interventions. Some participants felt that drug and alcohol serv ices in particular provide good continuity of care between prison and community settings, with prison-based rehabilitation services frequently linked to community recovery and treatment providers before release.
However, this continuity was not always matched in other areas. Mental health support, psychiatric care and physical healthcare were often described as fragmented, inconsistent or difficult to access following release. Several contributors spoke about medication, treatment plans and referrals not always transferring smoothly between prison and community services, creating additional risks during an already challenging period.
Several groups highlighted how poor communication between agencies can contribute to a lack of awareness about available services. Information that could support successful reintegration is not always shared effectively, while opportunities for support can be missed when services operate in isolation. There was also concern about geographical barriers – prison leavers may be released into areas where
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The impact of digital exclusion was highlighted, noting that technology can change dramatically during periods of imprisonment.
they have limited knowledge of local services, or where existing support networks are absent.
As discussions across the groups repeatedly suggested, support should not begin on the day of release and then disappear shortly afterwards. Instead, participants argued for a coordinated approach that starts in custody and continues seamlessly into the community. This also included recognising the important role prison staff can play in supporting rehabilitation, with participants highlighting the need for greater awareness and training around addiction, recovery and traumainformed practice.
STRUGGLING TO BELONG The discussions on social exclusion revealed how reintegration involves far more than practical support.
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Participants described difficulties rebuilding relationships, developing trust and feeling part of a community. Many prison leavers face disrupted family connections, limited social networks and a sense of being disconnected from society.
Some highlighted the impact of digital exclusion, noting that technology can change drama tically during periods of imprisonment, with tasks that many people take for granted – applying for jobs, accessing services or managing finances online – becoming significant barriers. Trust also emerged as a particularly important theme. Where systems appear fragmented or inconsistent, trust can quickly erode. Recovery communities, peer support networks, mentoring schemes and community groups were identified as powerful mechanisms for reducing isolation and promoting belonging.
MORE THAN A JOB The employment group highlighted a range of practical barriers that can stand between prison leavers and employment. Criminal records remain a significant obstacle, but participants identified many other challenges, including homelessness, lack of identification documents, difficulties opening bank accounts, limited work experience, unsuitable
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