Hardman Trust

10/07/2026

Resettlement starts long before the prison gate.

A recent Russell Webster article highlights the Chief Inspector of Prisons’ concerns about low levels of activity in prison.

This raises an important question: how can people prepare for release if they are not given enough opportunity to build skills, confidence, relationships and plans while inside?

For people on long sentences, this is especially important. Release is not a single moment. It is a process of rebuilding identity, confidence, connection, routines and practical stability after many years in prison.

At Hardman Trust, our programmes provide tailored support for people on long sentences, helping them build confidence, connection, skills and practical plans for life after prison.

Purposeful activity matters. Practical preparation matters. Human connection matters.

For long-term prison leavers, resettlement cannot start at the gate.

Chief Prison Inspector Charlie Taylor calls for an increase in the "woeful levels of activity in prison"

26/06/2026

New research reported by Inside Housing highlights an increase in prison leavers needing homelessness support.

This matters to us because housing insecurity is a barrier that many people in the Hardman Trust community face when thinking about resettlement after a long prison sentence.

Leaving prison after many years can mean rebuilding life while navigating fragmented information, limited support networks, digital exclusion, anxiety, lack of ID or a bank account, and uncertainty about where to go next.

Homelessness risk should not be treated as a problem that begins at the prison gate.

Earlier planning, better information and practical support all have a role to play.

Preventing crisis after release starts before the gate.

Read the article below. For people planning release after a long sentence, the Hardman Directory may also help identify practical support and the services available to help.

Around a quarter of homelessness accommodation providers saw an increase in care and prison leavers needing support last year, according to new research.

19/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome Kevin Wong as our new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Kevin brings more than 30 years’ experience across criminal justice policy, practice, research, evaluation, governance and service development.

As Chair, Kevin will lead our Board of Trustees, helping to provide strategic direction, strong governance and effective oversight of The Hardman Trust’s work.

His experience across probation practice, evidence, governance and charity leadership will be a significant asset as we continue supporting people in the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives.

11/05/2026

Good to see Napotheunion Magazine sharing the work of Hardman Trust and highlighting the challenges faced by people on long sentences.

Long sentences can bring profound isolation, disconnection and uncertainty about the future. Through practical support, including penfriend schemes, financial grants and resettlement support, we help people prepare for release and rebuild stable lives in the community.

We’re pleased to see growing recognition of the importance of long-term rehabilitation and sustained support beyond the prison gate.

The Hardman Trust supports people serving long prison sentences through penfriend schemes, financial grants and resettlement programmes.

23/04/2026

For many people leaving prison following a long sentence, self-employment is not just an ambition but a necessity. With criminal records, gaps in employment history, and employer stigma limiting access to paid work, starting a business can offer a rare route to independence, income, and stability.

16/04/2026

We were pleased to welcome former Board member His Honour John Samuels KC, who recently met with our CEO, Annette So.

During his visit, he kindly shared copies of his book, Mentor and Monitor: A Role for the Judge, which draws on his extensive experience to explore how judges can support rehabilitation through mentorship and ongoing engagement.

It is a thoughtful contribution to ongoing conversations about justice, rehabilitation, and long-term change, all of which are closely aligned with our work.

A small number of copies are available; if you are interested, please email [email protected]