Published on 25th September 2025
Introduction from Matt
As HMPPS takes steps towards a recovery-orientated system of care, we are delighted to be working alongside this vision with our shared commitment to person-centred and holistic approaches around drugs and alcohol use.
This was recently demonstrated through a range of activities across South West prisons during Recovery Month, giving people in prison a positive sense of what recovery can look like.
Our teams use Motivational Interviewing techniques to support people at every stage of the recovery cycle, offering non-judgemental support, planting seeds of change, and creating environments where recovery can flourish. This is delivered through one-to-one and group interventions, supported by our trained Peer Mentors who share their lived experiences and facilitate SMART Recovery groups.
We’re also excited to welcome eight university students on year-long placements with our prison services. Their diverse interests and skills will not only grow the next generation of recovery workers but will also enhance the range of services we can provide.
We welcome the expansion of Incentivised Substance-Free Living wings and are working closely with prison and healthcare partners to maximise their impact on recovery.
Another promising development is our new partnership with Integrated Offender Management. Over the next six months, we’ll deliver enhanced creative and therapeutic interventions at Guys Marsh, Portland, Channings Wood and Bristol. This pilot aims to demonstrate the value of social prescribing in building recovery capital and preparing for life after release.
Thank you to all our prison and community partners without whom we could not do the work that we do. If you would like to find out more, please email SouthwestPrisons@cgl.org.uk
Welfare checks at Change Grow Live
At Change Grow Live, a Welfare Check is a brief psychosocial intervention, not a clinical assessment, that is offered when someone may be under the influence of substances. These checks are supportive, non-judgemental and focused on safety and wellbeing.
Our teams offer:
- Harm minimisation advice
- A review of the recovery plan (if already engaged)
- An offer to engage with the Recovery Service (if not already engaged)
- A conversation about the reasons for use
- Support to avoid future use
The In Your Corner Project
In Your Corner is a Change Grow Live initiative supporting men aged 18–30 on probation who are reluctant to engage with drug and alcohol services. It challenges harmful gender norms through honest conversations and relatable role models, offering safe spaces to explore emotions and build healthier coping strategies.
By integrating these young men into prosocial community activities, In Your Corner further challenges attitudes towards substance use and hypermasculinity, empowering them to lead positive and healthier lives.
What’s next? Expanding the reach of In Your Corner
- Prison and post-release pilots: Delivering support in custody and continuing post-release to ensure continuity of care.
- Early intervention: Expanding into children and young people’s services to prevent future offending.
- Loneliness and isolation: Tackling key drivers of substance use, including social disconnection and harmful ideologies.
- Integrated support: Combining trauma-informed care with community engagement to build resilience.
In Your Corner is currently being delivered in Maidstone, Medway, Crawley, Brighton, Birmingham, Sheffield and Doncaster.
We will share updates as it continues to grow, with plans to introduce it into more prisons.
Welcoming eight placement students
We’re excited to welcome eight placement students for the 2025/26 academic year from the University of Plymouth, Bournemouth University, and the University of Western England. Based across South West prisons, they’ll gain experience in diverse settings — from remand to open conditions.
Their placements focus on developing skills in psychosocial work, group facilitation, assessments, risk management and recovery planning. Following a week-long induction, they’ve begun integrating into our teams, learning our values and services.
We’re proud of our student programme and committed to supporting their growth, helping them become confident, skilled contributors to our work throughout the year.
A Story of resilience and recovery
Andy’s story is a powerful example of the strength in our continuity of care across prison sites. After completing peer mentor training at HMP Channings Wood, he is now actively applying those skills at HMP Leyhill, supporting others on their recovery journey.
In HMP Exeter, Andy discovered a passion for Peer Mentoring. At HMP Channings Wood, he met Volunteer Lead Sara and completed a Peer Mentoring course, finding purpose in supporting others. He values trust and always seeks permission before sharing personal stories. “There’s still that stigma,” he says. “You sometimes get called a grass, but I don’t care. I know I’m doing a good job.” He also completed the ‘Building Better Relationships’ course and others, which he found transformative.
Following a six-month review, Andy transferred to HMP Leyhill to be closer to his sister, with whom he’s rebuilt a strong bond. He reconnected with Change Grow Live and now works with the Psychology and Healthcare team, noting the rise in mental health issues among peers. Mentoring has also improved his own wellbeing.
“This place makes you realise what you have on the outside.
It’s the simple things, like going for family meals and spending time with others.”
A skilled tradesperson, Andy has over 25 years of experience fitting windows and has developed a wide range of DIY skills. “I’m really good at talking to people - you have to be in this line of work.” Upon release, Andy already has a job opportunity secured, a home, and a supportive family waiting for him. He plans to reconnect with his wife when the time is right for him and hopes to rebuild relationships with his 3 children, respecting their pace and needs.
Looking ahead, Andy is excited for the future. He plans to stay active by joining a gym and a running club and looks forward to swapping motocross for peaceful walks with his father - a gentler way to reconnect. He will attend AA meetings and continue making a positive impact through mentoring in the community.
Sara, Volunteer Lead: “During the Peer Mentor course, Andy's humour and passion for recovery shone through. He is bright and engaging and always had encouraging words for others taking part in the course. His supportive nature makes him an ideal Peer Mentor and it's amazing to see him doing so well at HMP Leyhill. It was a privilege to work with him, and I’m really excited to see what the future holds.”