Prison In-Reach Programme

Supporting Veterans Leaving Custody Across the Midlands

At STEPWAY, we believe that no veteran should be left behind — especially not during one of the most vulnerable transitions: leaving custody. Our Prison In-Reach Programme offers tailored, trauma-informed support to veterans across six prisons in the Midlands.

We work closely with Veteran in Custody Support Officers (ViCSOs), the National Probation Service, and partner agencies including Op Courage NHS, DWP, local housing teams, and other military charities to build an effective and supportive pathway back into civilian life.

What We Do

At STEPWAY, we work directly with veterans in custody and those transitioning back into civilian life. Our monthly prison visits currently support veterans at six Midlands prisons:
HMP Oakwood, HMP Hewell, HMP Stoke Heath, HMP Featherstone, HMP Brinsford, and HMP Birmingham.

Our work begins before release and continues long beyond the gate, offering practical, emotional, and structured support throughout.

Pre-Release Support

  • Wellbeing assessments are completed before release, identifying each veteran’s individual needs.
  • Tailored action plans are created, focusing on mental health, housing, employment, and social reintegration.

Immediate Support on Release

We ensure no veteran leaves the gate without a support plan in place:

  • Emergency accommodation arrangements
  • Help with benefits and Universal Credit applications
  • Warm referrals to specialist services, including:
    • Op NOVA
    • The Poppy Factory
    • DWP Armed Forces Champions
    • Local housing authorities and GPs

Long-Term Mentoring and Purpose

Veterans gain access to ongoing wraparound support through:

  • Post-release mentoring and veteran peer support
  • Our 7 Step Civilian Skills Program, helping rebuild confidence, identity, and skills
  • Community Payback projects designed specifically for veterans — which have achieved an impressive 98% success rate in reducing reoffending
  • Banter & Brew sessions in six locations across the West Midlands

Continuing Support Beyond the Gate

Once released, veterans are welcomed into our West Midlands Wellbeing Centre, where they can:

  • Access hot food, showers, and a safe space
  • Join structured support sessions on mental health, housing, and finding purpose
  • Take part in veteran-led peer support groups
  • Involve their loved ones through our Family Support Programme, available at our Wellbeing Centres and the LINK Community Hub

Working in Partnership

STEPWAY is a full member of COBSEO and an active part of the Justice Cluster. We proudly work alongside:

  • Op NOVA
  • Forces Employment Charity
  • The National Probation Service
  • Op COURAGE NHS
  • Veteran-specific MAPPA panels
  • Local Armed Forces Champions

Together, we build coordinated and effective support pathways to ensure no veteran is left behind.

Making a Measurable Difference

Our programme has already made a clear and lasting impact:

  • 45 veterans with offending backgrounds supported
  • Over 30 veterans helped into housing and employment
  • 40 have not reoffended — that’s nearly 90% success
  • Only 5 recalls to custody — and the majority were due to issues outside our control

These outcomes show that our approach works. Veterans trust us because we understand — many of our team have walked the same path.

Veteran-Led, Results Driven

Our success lies in the fact that the programme is:

  • Veteran-led — designed by veterans for veterans
  • Immediate — we act fast when support is needed most
  • Personal — every plan is unique to the individual

We’re only just getting started — and with continued support, we will help even more veterans build a new life with dignity, purpose, and hope.

Veteran Voices

Case Study: Finding Strength After Custody

After serving time in custody, James* (Not his real name) was released with little more than a small bag and a heavy weight on his shoulders. He felt lost, unsure of where to turn, and worried that he might end up back inside. The world outside had changed, and he didn’t know where he fit in anymore.

That’s when he was introduced to STEPWAY through the Veteran in Custody Support Officer at his prison. Before his release, STEPWAY carried out a wellbeing assessment and began to build a plan with James — one that focused on housing, health, and reconnecting with purpose.

Once released, James came straight to the West Midlands Wellbeing Centre, where he was met with warmth and no judgement. He had access to hot food, a shower, and someone who listened.

With the help of STEPWAY’s outreach worker and the support of Op Courage NHS, James was able to start addressing his PTSD. He also joined the 7 Step Civilian Skills Program, which helped him rediscover his confidence and build a daily routine. Through the Banter & Brew sessions, he connected with other veterans, which gave him a renewed sense of belonging.

“STEPWAY helped me find strength when I needed it most. Their support has given me the confidence to rebuild my life and rediscover a sense of purpose I thought I had lost.”

Today, James is in safe accommodation, working part-time, and mentoring other veterans who are walking a similar path.

Reducing Reoffending, One Step at a Time

Our veteran-led Community Payback pathway is delivered in partnership with Probation Services. Veterans can complete their community service through structured projects — including gardening, joinery, and wellbeing work.
This tailored approach gives each veteran a sense of purpose, community, and dignity, while actively reducing reoffending.

98% success rate in preventing reoffending through our veteran-focused Payback Programme.

Need Support or Want to Refer a Veteran?

📞 Call us on: 0121 7922 723
📧 Email: neil.binder@stepway.org
🌐 Referral Form –

STEPWAY: Supporting All Veterans in Civilian Life