There are over 80,000 people in prison in England and Wales, costing over £5bn per year. Every month, thousands of men are released with just a plastic bag of belongings and nowhere to go, significantly increasing the chance of reoffending. Statutory services don’t offer the intensive, flexible, and consistent relationship that is required for people with complex lives and significant barriers. Among our Trainees, 46% are released homeless, 29% have debt issues and 39% have never worked before.

Switchback’s pioneering approach works: in stark contrast to the national average – which sees nearly half of prison leavers back inside within a year – only 9% of Switchback Trainees reoffend, while over half move into long-term work. We challenge and encourage our Trainees to take control and make real, lasting change: a fundamental shift in mindset and lifestyle. This is new territory for most Trainees: a frank, non-judgemental relationship with someone who is there for them on a daily basis.