Pathways to Potential: Supporting Prison Leavers into Housing and Employment

With the generous support of the Leeds Building Society Foundation, Offploy is helping prison leavers at risk of homelessness rebuild their lives with purpose and dignity.

When someone leaves prison, they often face more barriers than bridges. No stable housing, no income, and no clear path forward. It’s in this critical transition that Pathways to Potential steps in, a tailored mentoring programme focused on those most at risk of being forgotten.

Thanks to funding from the Leeds Building Society Foundation, Offploy has been able to provide practical, person-centred support for individuals leaving custody, many of whom face homelessness.

Building a Partnership for Change

The partnership between Offploy and Leeds Building Society Foundation was born from shared values: the belief that no one should be defined by their past, and that safe housing is the foundation for a better future. 

Offploy’s model, led by a team where 70% have lived experience of the criminal justice system, was a natural fit. Our peer mentors walk alongside individuals on their journey, providing emotional and practical guidance, from sorting housing to securing employment.

"With the support of Leeds Building Society Foundation, we’re not just helping people find stable housing, we’re helping them take the next step into employment. It’s about creating real, lasting change by giving people the tools, confidence and opportunity to rebuild their lives."

 - Jacob Hill, Founder of Offploy

What We’ve Achieved So Far

Since launching the programme, we’ve supported 30 individuals, already 75% of our 12-month target. The demand is growing, and so is the impact.

• 70% have improved their housing status

• Several were prevented from becoming homeless

• 6 people have moved into employment, with more in active interviews

• Over 50% report improved well-being, as measured by SWEMWBS

  
  

These are more than statistics. Each figure represents a life redirected, and a belief in another chance made real.

In Their Own Words

For many people leaving prison, it’s not just the system they’re up against, it’s years of being dismissed, doubted, or defined by one chapter of their lives. Pathways to Potential offers something different: belief, structure, and the kind of personalised support that empowers individuals to move forward on their own terms.

Through lived-experience mentoring, candidates receive guidance from those who have walked a similar path. This shared understanding helps build trust quickly, opening up conversations about housing, employment, wellbeing, and self-worth.

“I just got out of prison. I had no idea where I was going to stay or what was next. But Offploy helped me sort out my housing, and now I’ve got a job interview. I feel like I’ve got a chance at something better.”

- Programme participant

What the Funding Supports

The funding from the Leeds Building Society Foundation covers critical aspects of the project: peer mentoring, case management, and the infrastructure that enables consistent, tailored support for vulnerable individuals.

This kind of backing doesn’t just fill a funding gap; it lays the groundwork for long-term transformation. By covering the costs of experienced mentors and support workers, the Leeds Building Society Foundation has helped create the conditions for genuine progress and connection.

Looking Ahead

With a strong foundation in place, and new referrals continuing to come in, we’re confident in our direction.

We’re building the evidence, impact, and momentum needed to make the programme sustainable in the long term, while advocating for systemic change in how we support those leaving custody.

Thank You to the Leeds Building Society Foundation

This work wouldn’t be possible without the belief and backing of the Leeds Building Society Foundation. Their commitment to social inclusion and long-term outcomes is helping people feel safe, valued, and ready to move forward.

“We are delighted to fund Offploy's Pathways to Potential programme through our large grant scheme. It is fantastic to see the progress that has been made in such a short space of time and are we are pleased to see the impact our funding is having on grassroots organisations. 

Offploy do a great job at ensuring those with lived experience are involved with shaping their services and help to develop the building blocks to stable housing, which is key for us here at the Leeds Building Society Foundation.”

- Carla Marshall, Chair of the Leeds Building Society Foundation

Together, we’re proving that with the proper support, no one has to be defined by their past.

Interested in supporting second chance employment or inclusive housing initiatives? Contact us today to learn more about partnering with us.