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New scheme helps prison leavers rebuild lives through construction
A new initiative is helping former prisoners rebuild their lives while tackling homelessness across Bristol.
The scheme provides participants with hands-on construction training and full-time employment, while refurbished homes are rented to people moving out of temporary accommodation.
The partnership between social impact investor Resonance, charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI) and Bristol Together CIC employs ex-offenders to refurbish properties for people in need of stable housing.
A prison leaver who now works as a construction employee in the scheme said: “Working on the projects has given me many opportunities to learn new skills and increase my confidence in painting and decorating, tiling and understanding the sequence of works within the industry.
The scheme provides participants with hands-on construction training and full-time employment, while tackling homelessness
“It’s my first job in construction and I’m looking forward to gaining more skills to further my career.”
So far, the programme has transformed 37 properties in the city, creating jobs and high-quality homes.
Reoffending rates among participants have reportedly dropped to just 10 per cent, compared with the national average of 56 per cent for those serving short sentences.
Paul Morgan, executive director of Bristol Together, said the initiative offers “vital employment for those seeking to start afresh in a new industry”.
Resonance’s Chris Cullen described the project as “life changing”, adding: “We’re delighted to be part of this initiative, which can be life changing for both prison leavers and people experiencing homelessness.”
Earlier this year, the collaboration received a Better Society Award for its impact on Bristol’s homelessness crisis.
Bristol Together plans to expand the scheme in 2026, enabling serving prisoners to upskill before release and move directly into employment and stable housing.
All photos: Bristol Together
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