Recently Northumberland CVA delivered the final Mind the Gap session of 2025 at Hirst Welfare Centre in Ashington. The session brought together partners from across sectors for one of the most meaningful and thought provoking discussions of the year, focused on how communities can better support people leaving prison.
In the room sat 68 individuals from every corner of society: professionals working in the Justice System, dedicated volunteers and even those who had once been on the other side as ex‑offenders. On paper, their roles and backgrounds could not have been more different. Yet the moment the focus shifted to the person in front of them, his presence, his story all those differences melted away. What united everyone was not their title or experience, but the shared humanity of listening to one man’s journey.
At the heart of the session was Steven’s story relayed by an actor using the collective real stories of people he had talked to personally beforehand. After serving a 15-year sentence for a serious and violent crime, Steven is now navigating life beyond custody. He speaks openly about his past and the challenges of starting again, highlighting a reality faced by many prison leavers: a sentence may be complete, but the journey back into society is complex and uncertain.
Using lived experience as a starting point, the group explored what effective and compassionate support really looks like. Conversations focused on stable housing, access to meaningful employment, good mental health support, strong social connections and systems that work with people rather than against them. The discussion prompted reflection on a central question: is redemption solely an individual responsibility, or something communities must help create together?
Feedback from attendees reflected the impact of this approach. Participants described Mind the Gap as an extremely powerful and thought-provoking experience, praising its focus on people rather than generalised issues. Several highlighted the value of shifting away from promoting services towards collective problem solving, noting that this helped reveal both the breadth of support available and the gaps in reach for those who need it most.
Others commented on how the session increased their understanding of hidden challenges faced by prison leavers and inspired them to take action, both personally and within their organisations. The facilitation and delivery were described as excellent, with attendees valuing the clear focus on “what we can do” and the opportunity to develop practical solutions together.
We were proud to deliver this session in collaboration with The Oswin Project, whose long-standing commitment to reducing reoffending and supporting people to rebuild their lives added insight, challenge and direction to the conversation.
Throughout 2025, Northumberland CVA has delivered Mind the Gap sessions across Northumberland, creating spaces where difficult stories can be shared, assumptions can be challenged and collaborative solutions can begin to take shape.
Mind the Gap is not about networking for its own sake. It is about listening, learning and taking responsibility for the kind of communities we want to build.
If you would like to be involved in future Mind the Gap sessions or contribute to shaping what comes next, please contact lyn.horton@northumberlandcva.org.uk.
