Social Impact 2025/26 Report

Creating Second Chances. Building Stronger Futures.

At Beyond Convictions, social impact is about more than numbers. It is about people having the opportunity to move forward, overcome barriers and build positive futures.

Our Social Impact Report 2025/26 reflects the difference that practical support, lived experience, partnership working and genuine second chances can make.

Over the past year, our work has focused on some of the areas where people with convictions can experience the greatest barriers: employment, housing, health, stigma and rebuilding stability.

Behind every figure in this report is a person, a journey and an opportunity for change.

Our Impact at a Glance

During 2025/26, Beyond Convictions:

• Supported 336 people
• Helped 87 people into employment
• Supported 224 people into housing
• Delivered 1,867 mentoring sessions
• Worked with 6 employer partners
• Took part in 23 community events

These outcomes demonstrate what can happen when people receive support that recognises their circumstances, strengths and potential.

Housing and Stability

Having somewhere safe and suitable to live can provide the foundation for almost every other part of someone’s life.

During the year, 224 people were supported into housing, helping individuals move towards greater stability and independence.

Our approach recognises that housing is not simply about finding accommodation. It can be an important part of rebuilding confidence, maintaining employment, accessing healthcare and creating the stability needed to move forward.

Employment and Opportunity

Employment can provide much more than an income. It can create purpose, independence, confidence and a renewed sense of belonging.

We supported 87 people to progress into employment during 2025/26.

We also continued to challenge the stigma that can prevent talented and capable people from accessing opportunities because of their past.

A conviction should not automatically determine someone’s future. Fair recruitment means looking at the individual, their circumstances, skills and what they can contribute.

Mentoring Led by Understanding

One of the strongest foundations of our work is lived experience.

Throughout the year, 1,867 mentoring sessions were delivered, providing people with practical guidance, encouragement and support.

Lived experience brings a different level of understanding to our work. It helps build trust and ensures that the support, advocacy and opportunities we create remain grounded in the realities people can face.

It is not about speaking for people. It is about working alongside them and ensuring their experiences help shape better solutions.

Stories Behind the Statistics

Impact cannot be understood through numbers alone.

Our work has included people rebuilding their lives after prison, overcoming housing instability, managing complex challenges and preparing for employment and education.

Every journey is different.

Progress might mean securing a home, starting a new job, rebuilding confidence, improving wellbeing, developing new skills or simply beginning to believe that a different future is possible.

These individual stories remind us why second chances matter.

Beyond Convictions Day 2026

Another important part of the year was Beyond Convictions Day 2026, bringing together people with lived experience, professionals, employers, community organisations and allies.

Through storytelling, education, advocacy, peer support and community engagement, the day created opportunities to challenge stigma and encourage greater understanding.

Its message reflects the wider purpose of our work:

From conviction to contribution.

People should have opportunities to be recognised not simply for something in their past, but for who they are today and what they can contribute in the future.

Looking Ahead

Our Social Impact Report is also about where we go next.

We want to build on what has been achieved by:

• Expanding employment opportunities
• Strengthening housing and essential support
• Growing mentoring services
• Continuing to challenge stigma
• Building stronger communities

Partnership will remain central to this work.

Creating meaningful second chances requires people with lived experience, employers, housing providers, health services, criminal justice organisations, charities, communities and others to work together.

Thank You

None of this impact happens in isolation.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey, the people we support, those who have shared their experiences, volunteers, partners, employers, funders, professionals and supporters.

Most importantly, thank you to the people who have trusted us to walk alongside them as they build their futures.

There is still much more to do, but the message behind our Social Impact Report is clear:

People are more than their past. With opportunity, support and belief, change is possible.

At Beyond Convictions, we will continue working to challenge stigma, remove barriers and create opportunities for people with convictions to move forward.

Creating Second Chances. Building Stronger Futures.