The initiative is part of a partnership between social impact investor Resonance, charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI) and Community Interest Companies (CICs) Gloucester Together and Bristol Together.
The programme provides ex-offenders with employment and hands-on training in construction, while creating high-quality homes for people who are currently facing a housing crisis, moving them out of temporary accommodation.
Reoffending rates among those employed through the initiative have dropped to just 10%, compared with national figures of 56% for individuals serving sentences of less than 12 months and 26.5% overall.
With support from Resonance and DHI, the scheme has so far transformed 63 properties – 37 in Bristol and 26 in Gloucestershire – providing both employment opportunities for former prisoners and, importantly, safe homes for people facing homelessness.
Mark Hodge, Group Chairman of Gloucester Together – part of Community Interest Company ‘Your Consultation Group’ – said: “There is a lack of successful routes for supporting prison leavers into employment and the opportunity to collaborate with Resonance and DHI has delivered tangible social outcomes for both prisoners and homeless people.”
An ex-offender employee at Bristol Together added their support: “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. It’s my first job in construction and I’m looking forward to gaining more skills to further my career.”
After refurbishment, the properties are leased by Resonance to DHI then rented by tenants who would otherwise be homeless.
Earlier this year, the strategic collaboration won a Better Society Award for their partnership work in helping tackle Bristol’s homelessness crisis.
Chris Cullen, Head of Homelessness Property Funds at Resonance, commented: “We’re delighted to be part of this initiative which can be life changing for both prison leavers and people experiencing homelessness.”
Marianne Rawlins, Income Generation and Communications Manager for DHI, added: “This remarkable project shows what’s possible when people are given the right opportunities and support. It brings together different groups, breaks down barriers and demonstrates the power of partnership working to transform lives.”
Bristol Together plans to expand its programme in 2026, allowing serving prisoners to upskill into employment before and after release, giving them the financial security to afford their own accommodation and secure long-term employment.
Paul Morgan, Executive Director of Bristol Together, concluded: “Working with Resonance and DHI has given Bristol Together ongoing work over the last two years. It has provided vital employment for those seeking to start afresh in a new industry, as well as reducing reoffending in the Bristol area.”
