Trailblazers Mentoring

Home
United Kingdom
Wolverhampton
Trailblazers Mentoring

Pioneering national charity reducing among leaving prison. Changing attitudes

18/08/2026

“Whenever he says he’ll do something, he delivers.”

Consistency is powerful.

Many of the people we support have experienced systems and relationships that let them down. That is why reliability matters so much.

One mentee described their mentor like this: “We’ve built trust and rapport… he always delivers.”

From attending probation appointments to helping secure housing and work, this consistency builds more than stability. It builds belief.

“I’ve had my fair share of people looking down at me… he recognises me as a human being.”

At Trailblazers, we know that dignity, trust and practical support together are what create lasting change.

This is how we help people move forward and reduce reoffending for good.

👉 We are always looking for partners and supporters who believe in giving people another chance. Join us.

17/08/2026

“It’s given me a purpose and direction.”

This is the difference the right support can make.

In 2025, Trailblazers supported 168 people leaving prison with mentoring and practical support before and after release.

💚 91% did not re-offend
💚 1,715 hours of support delivered
💚 322 care packages provided to help people meet immediate needs

Every number is a person building a new future.

And for every £1 invested, £7 of social value is created.

Every person deserves the chance to build a better future. With the right support, that future becomes possible.

Our Impact Report 2025 shows how this work is changing lives and strengthening communities.

👉 Take a look and find out how you can support our work. trailblazersmentoring.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMPACT-Report-2025.pdf

13/08/2026

What does real support after prison actually look like?

For one mentee, it meant everything.

In just a short period of time, with the support of Trailblazers, they were able to access:
✔ Accommodation
✔ Employment
✔ PPE for work
✔ A travel card to get there
✔ Support at probation and housing appointments

But beyond the practical support, something even more important happened.

“When I was about to give up, my mentor changed that for me.”

Our mentoring bridges the gap between custody and community, ensuring people don’t face those critical early weeks alone.

This is how we reduce reoffending: By combining consistent relationships with practical, tailored support that helps people move forward.

“He recognises me as a human being.”

👉 If you’re an employer, partner or funder looking to create real, measurable impact, let’s work together.

Thank you to Andy Aitchison for the generous use of this fabulous photograph.

11/08/2026

One of the most powerful moments of the residential didn’t happen on the high ropes or in the water.

It happened at the end.

The group presented their mentor, with a thank you card — a simple gesture filled with genuine appreciation

The Activities Coordinator shared:
“I would have never thought this group were in prison… it’s changed my perception. I can see them doing great things.”

That shift in perception matters.
Because breaking the cycle of reoffending is not just about programmes. It’s about relationships, belief and opportunities to see, and be seen, differently.

We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part.

And we’re so grateful to National Lottery Community Fund for making this possible 💚

👉 Help us create more moments like this.

06/08/2026

“With my mentor, it’s different. I feel like I can be real.”

For many people leaving prison, trust is one of the biggest barriers to building a new future.

One Trailblazers mentee shared how difficult life has been without guidance, shaped by care experience, homelessness and a lack of confidence in others. But through mentoring, something began to shift.

They said: “I’ve lacked the confidence to trust people… but my mentor John gave me the time and space to be myself.”

At Trailblazers, mentoring is not just practical support.

It is about creating a space where people feel heard, valued and understood, often for the first time in a long time.

This foundation of trust is what allows people to engage, move forward and begin breaking down the barriers that lead to reoffending.

“John has my corner… he gives me hope to turn my life around.”

When people feel believed in, change becomes possible.

👉 If your organisation wants to support more people to rebuild their lives after prison, we would love to hear from you.

04/08/2026

“I learned that I am willing to try new things…”

During our Somerset residential, something shifted.

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to create a space where the group could step away from everyday pressures and try something new.

Through activities and honest conversations, they explored life after prison, men’s mental health, and what it means to accept support.

It wasn’t always easy. It took vulnerability, courage and trust.

But the impact was clear

“This trip gave me the time to think and re evaluate my life. It showed me that freedom is priceless.”

“This experience gave me confidence to work in group settings… I learned that peace and consistency is everything.”

Mentor Sophie shared: “We often talk about rehabilitation, but real change is built through relationships, opportunity and the courage to take one step beyond what feels safe.”

These moments matter.
They help people build confidence, improve their mental wellbeing, and take meaningful steps away from reoffending.

Because when people feel supported, they begin to believe in what’s possible.

👉 Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for making opportunities like this possible.
👉 If you want to help create more moments like this, we would love to hear from you.

30/07/2026

☀️ What if the right support at the right time could change the course of someone’s life?

At Trailblazers, we work alongside people leaving prison to help them build a better future, free from crime.

Our support starts before release and continues long after. Through 1:1 mentoring and practical guidance, we walk with people every step of the way as they rebuild their lives.

This includes:
• Preparing for release with structured, one-to-one mentoring inside prison
• Through-the-gate support at the critical point of transition
• Continued mentoring in the community for up to 12 months
• Practical help with employment, training, housing and rebuilding confidence
• A consistent, trusted relationship that keeps people moving forward

We believe that everyone deserves the chance to start again. With the right support, people can develop the skills, stability and confidence to create lasting change.

When people succeed after prison, we all benefit. Families are stronger, communities are safer, and reoffending is reduced.

If you’re an employer, funder, or potential partner who wants to be part of that change, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Get involved and help inspire new futures.

28/07/2026

What happens when someone is given space to step away and breathe?

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, our Brixton Project Manager Yemi was able to take five mentees out of London for a two night residential in Somerset.

For many, this was the first time experiencing open countryside, trying new activities, or simply stepping away from the pressures of everyday life.

The aim was simple but powerful
To build confidence, strengthen trust, support mental health and reduce isolation at a critical point in their journeys.

Across the two days, the group, alongside two of our incredible volunteer mentors, took on kayaking, archery and high ropes.

But just as importantly, they cooked together, played games, and began to build something deeper.
Connection.

Spaces like this matter. They create the foundation for change, helping people leaving prison rebuild their lives and move towards a future away from reoffending.

👉 Thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for making this possible.
👉 If you’re interested in supporting opportunities like this, we’d love to hear from you.

23/07/2026

This is what community looks like at Trailblazers.

From a mentor social for the team at HMP Brixton to wellbeing days, training and online drop-ins, these moments bring people together in powerful ways.

It starts with one mentoring relationship, but it grows into something bigger. A network of support that includes mentors, staff, trustees, partners and supporters.

When people feel part of a community, it builds confidence, belonging and hope for the future.

That is how we support people to move forward and build a life beyond prison.

If your organisation shares our belief in the power of community, we would love to connect.

21/07/2026

What difference can one opportunity make?

Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, mentees on our Trailblazers programme have been able to take part in experiences that build confidence, connection and hope for the future.

From Escape Rooms and Mini Golf to the Sky Walk and the Twist Museum, these aren’t just activities. They are shared experiences, with mentors taking part alongside the people they support. Together, they build trust, connection and a sense of belonging through doing something new side by side.

These moments matter.

People leaving prison often face isolation, financial pressure and limited opportunities. Without support, moving forward and staying away from crime can feel out of reach.

Through mentoring and shared experiences like these, we help people feel connected, build confidence and strengthen their wellbeing. This support plays an important role in helping people move away from reoffending and towards a more stable, positive future.

We also make sure no one is excluded by covering costs like travel and activities, so everyone can take part.

These are not just days out. They are part of a journey towards a different future.

A huge thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund, whose support has made opportunities like these possible. Together we are inspiring new futures and stopping reoffending.

👉 If you’d like to support, partner or create opportunities for people leaving prison, we’d love to hear from you.

Address

New Road, Featherstone
Wolverhampton
WV107PY

Telephone

+448001934046

Website

http://www.trailblazersmentoring.org.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Trailblazers Mentoring posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Trailblazers Mentoring:

Want your organisation to be the top-listed Non Profit Organisation in Wolverhampton?