I have worked for many years in prison education, most recently as Head of Education, Skills and Work in a Category C prison. I've seen first-hand how many people leave prison with nowhere to go, with little support and no real chance to rebuild their lives.

My Fellowship focuses on post-prison support and rehabilitation, specifically how halfway houses can offer a more humane and effective transition back into society. I'll be travelling to Norway and Sweden to explore how they support people leaving prison with housing, mentoring, education and community connection. These countries are recognised for their progressive and person-centred approaches to justice, and I want to learn how we can adapt their models to the UK. What drives me is simple: I've met too many men who've been written off before they were ever given a proper chance.

I hope to design a UK-specific halfway house model that offers not just a bed, but real hope - a place to be seen, supported and start again. I want to share this learning across the UK and be part of a national shift towards more compassionate and effective justice.