In Surrey, a disused house owned by HMP Send but not within the wire, has been given a new purpose that goes far beyond bricks and mortar.
Working in partnership with the prison, which is close to our Leatherhead head office, we transformed a neglected property into a space that supports connection, stability and second chances. What was once an empty, water-damaged building is now a calm, welcoming place where women on day release can spend meaningful time with their families.
For many women in custody, maintaining relationships with their children is incredibly difficult. Only a small proportion of children remain in the family home when a mother is incarcerated, often leading to disruption at a critical stage in their lives. Many of the women have also experienced domestic abuse, adding further complexity to their circumstances.
Before this project, family visits often took place in public settings – locations that can feel impersonal, costly and unpredictable. These environments rarely provide the privacy or comfort needed for genuine connection.
Together with HMP Send, we set out to create something different: a ‘home-from-home’ where families can spend time together in a way that feels natural and dignified. A place where children can relax, where conversations can flow more easily, and where moments that matter can happen away from the pressures of the prison environment.
The refurbishment itself became part of the story. Rather than simply delivering the building, we used the project to open opportunities for others.
In partnership with social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), the refurbishment provided hands-on learning for 15 young people in alternative provision – many already or at risk of becoming not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Working alongside experienced tradespeople, every participant gained practical skills and at least one City & Guilds qualification, with some achieving more than one. Across the project, they completed 67 days of training, building confidence as well as capability.
The project also supported a Ministry of Justice apprentice, offering real-world experience on a live domestic scheme to complement their formal training.
This project was shaped by collaboration at every stage. Our colleagues, partners and supply chain organisations contributed time, expertise and resources to make it happen.
That shared effort included around 600 hours of volunteering and more than £140,000 in donated goods, time and services, alongside additional financial contributions from partners. The result is not just a refurbished building, but a space created through genuine partnership.
Today, the house is ready to offer something simple but powerful: the chance for families to be together in a way that feels normal. For some, these moments may help rebuild relationships; for others, they may create lasting memories during an incredibly difficult time.
Beyond the families it supports, the project has also opened doors for young people, providing skills, qualifications and a clearer sense of direction for the future.
This project demonstrates what can be achieved when purpose is put into practice locally. By reimagining a disused space, we have created something that supports rehabilitation, strengthens family connections and builds confidence in the next generation.
It’s a reminder that the places we create can change lives – not just for today, but for what comes next.
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