Switchback

About Switchback

Almost half of people released from prison are reconvicted within a year. Many are back inside within a few weeks.

The obstacles faced by people leaving prison and trying to live life differently are higher than ever. Switchback exists to shift the narrative.

The problem:
The reoffending rate has barely reduced in decades: 48% of prison leavers are reconvicted with a year and fewer than a fifth move into work.

Young adults and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, who make up the majority of Switchback Trainees, are also significantly over-represented in the prison system.

48%
of prison-leavers reoffend within a year of release

83%
of prison-leavers are not in work a year after release

£18bn
estimated annual cost of reoffending

£38k
annual cost per prison place

Barriers to success:
Homelessness, mental health problems and low skills are just some of the barriers faced by people leaving prison.

Many have grown up in poverty or in care, have never worked legitimately and have experienced violence and trauma. Among recent Switchback Trainees:

53%
have drug or alcohol issues

43%
leave prison homeless

40%
have never worked before

37%
have no qualifications

These challenges are compounded by a prison and probation system in chaos and the fragmentation of housing, health and welfare support. This means prison-leavers are not getting the consistent, personalised support needed to make a profound change in their lives.

How we shift the narrative:
Switchback’s model was established in 2008 on the premise that it is often not the lack of opportunity, but rather a lack of confidence, knowledge and continuity of support that prevents prison-leavers from overcoming challenges and realising their options.

When working with Trainees, Switchback models stability amid the chaos. Through a consistent, long-term relationship and real work training, we enable Switchback Trainees to make a profound change in how they think about and participate in society.