The Oswin Project breaks the cycle of reoffending through skills development, mentoring, and employment opportunities. Our approach delivers lasting change across the Northeast.
Impact
The reoffending rate for those who have worked with the Oswin Project is under 4%. Our six enterprises provide training and employment to former offenders. 70% of our staff have lived experience with the criminal justice system, bringing authentic understanding to our work.
Information for Employers
We connect employers with motivated, work-ready candidates while providing support throughout the employment process. Our thorough matching process and continued mentoring ensures success for both parties.
Mentoring
Our mentors work with individuals before and after release, creating personalised plans that address specific circumstances and barriers. Through strategic partnerships, we help Oswinners set achievable goals and connect with appropriate opportunities.
Case Studies
Discover how our Oswinners have rebuilt their lives through employment and support. Each story represents a journey from challenge to achievement, demonstrating the lasting impact of our approach.
Volunteering
Please consider Joining our community of volunteers who provide mentoring, skills training, and operational support. Whether you can offer a few hours monthly or regular weekly commitment, your contribution makes a difference and would be greatly appreciated..
Current Vacancies
When we’re recruiting, information about available positions within our enterprises and organisational team will be posted here. Check back regularly for opportunities to join our charity.
Refer an Oswinner
If you know someone with a criminal record who could benefit from our support, you can refer them to The Oswin Project. We accept referrals from probation services, prison staff, support workers, and individuals themselves.
UCL Centre for Education and Criminal Justice
The Oswin Project, founding member of UCL’s Centre for Education and Justice, partners with academic leaders to advance prison education through evidence-based approaches that honor prisoners’ rights to quality learning opportunities.
10 Years of Second Chances
For 10 years, the Oswin Project has built bridges from prison to freedom through employment, reducing reoffending rates from 67% to below 4% via through employment, training and mentoring.
Past Projects & Initiatives
Farming Out
Our ‘Farming Out’ campaign, in collaboration with the New Futures Network, aims to increase the number of people with criminal records employed in horticulture and agriculture. Our first event in 2021 was at HMP North Sea Camp, and our second in 2022 was held at HMP Kirkham.
Employment Conference
We run an Employment Conference every 18 months in Newcastle. Our last event was in March 2022 and featured Kim McGuinness, John McCabe, Kamel Kahn, Lindsay Blackmore, Darren Burns and Lance Harris as Speakers.
Prison Art Exhibition
In March 2022 we hosted a prison art exhibition inside Cafe 16 in Newcastle Cathedral. Artworks were supplied by Koestler Arts, and The Burnbake Trust, a specialist charity that supplies art kits to prisoners.
R-Affordables
R-Affordables was established to create an ethical socially driven company, rolling out a new housing initiative based in Scotland. The company’s mission was to build houses whilst tackling inequality and lack of opportunity.
Pitch Perfect
Some Oswinners worked with Northumberland Football Association to gain skills in ground maintenance. ‘Pitch Perfect’ was a social enterprise initiative to support football pitch maintenance across the County, with the help of associates and a pilot group of partner clubs.
The Pilot Project
In June 2016, 3 Oswin Project clients carried out a substantial renovation of the Doctor’s House in Pegswood. It is an interesting building; as its name suggests, it was the colliery doctor’s home and surgery.