News

Chat about physical aches and pains is matter-of-course at LandWorks but, as Chris reveals, when it comes to mental health it’s a bit of a conversational dead-end…

This week the trainees at LandWorks write an open letter to Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Justice, urging him to come and see how LandWorks supports his ideas about rehabilitation.

The mobile is indicating a problem: it’s just gone 5am and the number of missed calls and texts suggests a night crisis has happened. Cue Chris Parsons (aka DIY Bob) to the rescue!

The director of the Prison Reform Trust praised the inspiring prisoner resettlement scheme based on the Dartington estate as a ‘bright star in a rather dark landscape’, at the project’s second birthday in September 2015.

During the second Supporters event at LandWorks, Chris is faced with a tricky question from a guest: ‘Your men out here, their crimes I mean, not serious stuff is it?’

In this week’s LandWorks blog, a comment from one of the trainees leaves Project Manager Chris Parsons reeling…

This year has seen the beginning of a market gardening enterprise at LandWorks, headed up by Project Team Leader, Mark Mitchell. As it flourishes, Mark talks about his experiences, lessons learned and plans to expand further.

The first in a series of LandWorks staff profiles, Project Coordinator Sarah looks back on the last two years of her time with the project.

On a rare hot day in April, new trainee Luke arrived at LandWorks following his very first stint in prison at twenty years old. Four months into his placement, Sarah asked Luke about his experiences so far.

18 months ago, Sarah Hodge started a voluntary placement at LandWorks, as part of her degree in Fine Art at Plymouth University. Now Artist in Residence at LandWorks, Sarah writes about the important role art has to play at the project.

The ground-breaking prisoner resettlement scheme LandWorks thanked its ‘incredible’ team of 700-plus supporters with a BBQ on 18 September 2015 for contributing to a unique community partnership, which has just been shortlisted in a national awards scheme.

LandWorks began in July 2013, with an overgrown quarry site and a huge amount of hope. New volunteer Gill looks back and summarises the first two years.