Overview
LandWorks is a ground-breaking training project that supports people in prison or at risk of going to prison (‘trainees’) away from crime and back into their community through intensive, long-term placements.
- 37% of prisoners re-offend within one year of release.
- The comparable reoffending rate for LandWorks trainees is 5%
- Just 14% of people leaving prison have a job six months after release
- Over 90% of former trainees at LandWorks go on to employment
- Between 2013 and the end of March 2023, LandWorks had supported 194 people with intensive placements
- Reoffending costs society an estimated £18 billion each year
- 47% of prisoners have no qualifications on release
- 82% have the writing skills of below an 11-year-old child
- Over 70% suffer from more than two mental disorders
‘One Day’ Film about LandWorks
BBC Countryfile on the LandWorks project
About LandWorks
Established in 2013, and operating as an independent charity since 2016, LandWorks has an exemplary track record of reducing reoffending and empowering some of the most marginalised people in our society to live more fulfilling and independent lives.
The project started with one member of staff, four prisoners, and a seed of an idea. Now with a strong infrastructure and staff team in place (including with former beneficiaries employed as part of the team), we have transformed a derelict quarry into the 2-acre LandWorks training centre, almost entirely built by our trainees.
Working directly with our local prison and probation services, LandWorks provides life-changing placements (lasting between 6 and 12 months) that are individually-tailored to tackle the root causes of offending. Replicating a working day structure, trainees develop practical skills in woodworking, vegetable growing, landscaping, construction, cooking and arts & crafts. Recognising the complex and entrenched needs of many offenders, we have strong links with relevant agencies, and provide 1-2-1 practical support across employment, housing, benefits, addiction and mental health. External specialists deliver support sessions directly on our site.
Underpinning everything is building trainees’ self-worth, confidence and responsibility so that they can lead independent lives after their placement. Primarily we do this by building trusting relationships and offering the chance to develop a non-criminal identity, as well as providing weekly counselling sessions on-site and on-going support. We involve the community at every opportunity, with our chef and volunteer cooks working 1-2-1 with trainees to prepare the daily communal lunch, using seasonal produce grown on-site. Guests also join the lunch – from district judges and police officers to students and local supporters, breaking down the barriers that often prohibit successful integration.
Theory of Change
You can see here our more detailed ‘theory of change’ diagram explaining how LandWorks operates and the relationship between its activities and the outcomes it is seeking to achieve.