10 September 2025 –
Few who attended LandWorks’ Supporters’ Day on Friday 15 August will forget the powerful words of Workshop Manager Graham Stone. His moving speech, reflecting on the profound impact LandWorks has had on his life since he first joined as a Trainee in 2015, left a deep impression on everyone present. Following many requests to make it more widely available, we are pleased to share his speech below.
“It’s been ten years since I first came to LandWorks. Back then, I arrived as a Trainee on day release from the local prison. I’d been inside for a while, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much as I didn’t know what LandWorks was really about.
What I found was something I hadn’t experienced in years. A place that treated me like a person. LandWorks was the first professional service in four and a half years to ask me how I was and what they could do to help. That really stuck with me and I started believing there may be a future after prison.
That first year whilst still in prison gave me a foundation of work, structure, and more importantly, trust. I was given responsibility but with no expectations, just support. Since then, I’ve gone from being a Trainee to being employed by LandWorks and for the last nine years to this day, I’ve been managing the workshop.
Over that time, I have played a small part in supporting over 250 people, overseeing the development of the buildings and everything that goes on in the workshop. But I want to be clear: all the actual work has been done by the trainees themselves. They’re the ones who are building furniture and creating the products; I just guide things along. Every project we’ve completed has been the result of someone committing to the task and learning on the job.
The workshop itself aims to produce £1,000 worth of goods each week, which is an astonishing amount when you consider many of the people working here have never held a tool in their life. No background in carpentry, no prior experience, just the willingness to try. But even then, for me, the monetary value comes second to what really matters here: someone is gaining confidence, self respect and self worth, all the values that are taken from you in prison. These are the things that help people become productive members of society.
Everyone works at their own pace and that’s fine. What stands out, time and time again, is the hard work and attention to detail put into doing a good job. For me, that’s what’s commendable. And it’s not just about work. Once people have settled in, you start to hear the conversations, in the workshop, or around the lunch table. People open up to each other talking about their lives and in turn offering support to each other.
Mealtimes here are so important. They’re not just about food, they’re about social inclusion. Sharing a meal allows everyone to feel part of the group. And really, how can we expect someone to function as a productive member of society if they’re being socially excluded?
I’ve learned over the years at LandWorks that one of the most important things we can do is listen. As my mother used to say we’re given two ears and one mouth for a reason. Whether someone’s having a good day or struggling, taking the time to hear them out can make all the difference.
Something else that’s been hugely important to me is the support I’ve had along the way. Chris and I have built a good rapport over the last ten years. From day one, he believed in me. And even now, ten years on, I still feel supported. That matters more than people realise, to know you’ve got someone who sees your potential and wants you to succeed.
LandWorks couldn’t do any of this without the people who support us, including all of you that are here today. So many of our volunteers show up with selfless acts of kindness, baking a cake, cooking a meal with a trainee or just offering their time and presence. It might seem small, but it isn’t. It’s that consistency, showing up and caring that helps build trust. This is key to what we do.
I’ve now spent a decade at LandWorks. I’ve seen so many people walk through the gates who are nervous, uncertain and often doubting whether they deserve a second chance. I’ve then seen those same people grow into confident, capable, self-respecting individuals. People with purpose and direction who are contributing something positive to society.
One of the things that’s really stood out to me over the years at LandWorks is that it attracts people from all walks of life. Whether they are sleeping rough under Teignmouth pier or living in the most expensive homes in the postcode, they are all here for the same reason, because they are invested in giving people the chance to change their lives and hopefully step away from the criminal justice system.
I’d like to bring this to a close now but before I do, I would just like to say, when Chris first asked me to make this speech, I was very anxious. Public speaking isn’t something that comes naturally to me. But saying that, it’s actually given me an opportunity to reflect on my own personal journey at LandWorks and for me to see where I am today. I have a feeling that Chris knew exactly what he was doing when he asked me to make this speech. Thank you for listening.”