Our Story

Sussex Pathways was founded in November 2008 in Lewes Prison in response to the fact that offenders were being released from Sussex prisons without any support, and returning within a very short space of time.

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A steering group, led by Chaplaincy Manager Martin Batstone, decided that this much-needed support should be provided under the umbrella of the Chaplaincy. The service soon became a Charity, kick-started with a £10,000 donation from Sussex Police.  

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From 2009 we began taking on a Post Graduate Social Work student each year, as their final course placement; this is now a vital part of Sussex Pathways, helping us support offenders.

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Over the years we have been able to appoint staff and rely on our amazing volunteers to support offenders on the road to a new life.

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In 2010 we were given a three- year grant, from the National Lottery, and our own office in HMP Lewes. Grant funding from Lloyds Bank Foundation has helped us grow and has enabled us to develop, shape and plan our services for a stable future.

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In 2014 we became part of the Sussex Restorative Justice Partnership (SRJP), a hugely beneficial scheme bringing offenders and their victims together to achieve closure, after crime.

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We are funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to deliver RJ within the bounds of the SRJP in HMP Lewes and across Sussex.

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Since we were founded in 2008 Sussex Pathways has gone from strength to strength but the story doesn’t end there.

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Our ethos remains the same, to work with prison residents to reduce reoffending and give them the chance to change their lives. We support them to be the person that they want to be;  a real part of their community and not just  re-integrated.

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We’d love you to be part of our story – volunteer or donate to us to help reduce offending and give vulnerable people a second chance.