Trailblazers Mentoring
Anyone aged between 18 and 30 years old who is serving a sentence in one of the prisons Trailblazers work in and has up to 9 months left to serve before release.
Trailblazers is a national mentoring charity that offers support to people in custody (aged 18–30) during the fragile time around their release from prison. Through weekly one-to-one mentoring sessions with a fully-trained volunteer mentor – both in custody and 'through the gate' after release for an additonal 12 months – we aim to empower, encourage, and inspire our mentees to help them reach their potential and make a positive impact in their communities. Our support ranges from the practical (immediate support on your day of release, setting up a bank account, Universal Credit application, assistance in securing accommodation/housing, etc., supported by a community support worker) to the personal (building self-esteem or working to improve relationships) and is always guided by you and what you feel you need, supported by your mentor. Whether you want help with money management or with setting and achieving your goals, applying for a job or a course or even just someone to talk things through with, Trailblazers will be by your side to support you on every step of your journey.
You can apply while in prison by using the biometric self-referral system, or a general application form. Alternatively, speak to a member of staff about getting a mentor or write to us at the address below. We also take referrals from other organisations and services working both inside and outside the prison.
We accept applications on a rolling basis. We normally start working with mentees 3–6 months before they are released, but in some circumstances can commence work up to 9 months before release.
Landgate Chambers
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7LJ
If there’s people out there that have got stuck up in the cycle, that have gone down a difficult path in their life, that have got no one that really helps them, I would say get a mentor; look into it, because they seriously can help you change your life, and they make you see things clearer.”
