Trailblazers Mentoring Ltd

Who we are

Established in 1998, Trailblazers is a UK charity which provides 1:1 mentorship and practical support to people in prison and post release. Our goals are to prevent reoffending and improve outcomes for those leaving prison. Our work inspires and encourages people to change their future, rebuild their lives and make a positive impact on their community. Trailblazers provides mentoring and practical support to around 170 people a year, while they are in prison (6 months leading to their release) and for a further period (up to 12 months) in the community post-release.

Trailblazers currently delivers services in 5 prisons and surrounding communities in London, West Midlands and the Southeast: HMP Brixton, HMPYOI ISIS, HMP Featherstone, HMPYOI Brinsford and HMP Bullingdon. 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 long term, tailored and regular support, is hugely valued by mentees at a time in their lives when they are very vulnerable. Many are mistrustful of the organisations they have come into contact with (e.g. police, HMPPS, education, social services) and many have had chaotic childhoods. As a result many have low self-belief and esteem, limited or no family networks and are not well equipped to live independently (e.g. poor digital awareness and access, poorly equipped to access and apply to support agencies e.g. DWP, GPs). We aim to give individuals the confidence and skills to navigate ‘life on the outside’ and avoid recidivism.

Our culture and values

Trailblazers' Values:

Accountability - Taking responsibility for the impact we can have on vulnerable individuals.

Commitment - To maintain the dedication needed to change people’s futures.

Empathy - To listen to someone’s story and to offer unwavering support and guidance without judgement.

Integrity - To be honest and stay true to our core purpose at all times.

Trailblazing - To learn from our experience and to continue exploring new avenues to help people in the criminal justice system.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Trailblazers' EDI Policy is designed to ensure that current and potential workers are offered the same opportunities regardless of a protected characteristic (sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, marital status or civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, gender reassignment) or indeed any other characteristic unrelated to the performance of the job.

We expect everyone who works for us to be treated and to treat others with respect. Our aim is to provide a working environment free from harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form that may affect the dignity of the individual.

We further recognise the benefits of employing individuals from a range of backgrounds, as this creates a workforce where creativity and valuing difference in others thrives. We value the wealth of experience within the community in which we operate and aspire to have a workforce that reflects this.