Hello,
This week’s blog has been written by Sarah Wollaston, our new Chair of Trustees. A really interesting reflection on her time involved with LandWorks and looking ahead.
Chris
Shortly after setting up LandWorks in 2013, Chris invited me to visit. I was then the local MP. Like so many since, I was struck by his unique blend of conviction, warmth, humour and sheer grit. What he, Julie and the whole team…trainees, staff, volunteers, graduates and supporters, have built from those early days based in a hut in a muddy field, is quite simply astounding.
But LandWorks is far more than the beauty and buzz of the thriving site at Quarry Field in Dartington, it is the acceptance, community, practical skills and support for trainees that turns lives around. The transformative power is clear, and not just from the results in terms of helping people away from the criminal justice system. So many graduates continue to give back and support others, staying in touch as part of the growing LandWorks community.
I always enjoyed returning to visit, and think all MPs and policy makers would benefit from some time actively listening to people who have been inside or worked in our overwhelmed prisons and probation service. LandWorks is an oasis of hope.
Despite winning the national Charity of the Year award, the team at LandWorks do not sit back and rest. Thanks to Julie and the team’s rigorous academic underpinning over the past 12 years and work alongside other organisations, the next phase is well underway to develop a blueprint for others who wish to try to offer similar approaches. The Reimagining Rehabilitation and Resettlement project has the potential to spread the LandWorks model far and wide.
I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the new chair of trustees. I have big shoes to fill. Ted Tuppen was there from the very start, bringing enormous experience, commitment and personal generosity to his role as chair for over 10 years and helping to shape the entrepreneurial success as well as the ethos of LandWorks. Thank you for all you have done Ted.
Speaking of shoes, this time running shoes. I’m hoping to join the team for the Plymouth half marathon and not to annoy everyone by making them wait too long for me to limp across the finish line. Many thanks to LandWorks trainee Leo for inspiring me and so many other staff, volunteers and supporters to give it our best shot. Please help us all to keep going by sponsoring Team LandWorks (and a big thank you to everyone who has sponsored us already) or if you are already running the event, to consider helping our fundraising for this amazing charity.
Sarah (Chair of Trustees)
23rd April 2026