The recent inspection of HMP Winchester highlighted the work of Spurgeons as an example of notable positive practise. This update is testament to not only the Behind the Walls, Beyond the Gate programme delivered by Spurgeons, but the incredible Spurgeons colleagues who are delivering it. Behind every prison visit, parenting session, family support call and moment of crisis prevented, is a team of extraordinary people who refuse to give up on families. People who choose compassion over judgement.

Why the Behind the Walls, Beyond the Gate programme works

At Spurgeons, we help families stay connected through the challenges of imprisonment, release and returning home. Across our intensive resettlement cohort, approximately 18% of fathers returned to custody. This is significantly lower than national averages (national reoffending rates typically range between 25%–40% depending on cohort). This provides strong indicative evidence that whole-family resettlement reduces reoffending risk.

Our whole‑family approach strengthens relationships, improves wellbeing and supports stability at every stage. Children affected by imprisonment face higher risks of poor mental health, school disruption, safeguarding concerns and long-term disadvantage. Earlier help and intervention reduces pressure on education, social care, health and justice systems, yet too often support only arrives at crisis point. 

How family support reduces reoffending

Investing in whole-family support is therefore both a preventative and cost-effective solution. It reduces demand on already stretched public services while delivering better long-term outcomes for families and communities. By intervening early and consistently, we can break cycles of disadvantage and offending, helping families move forward with greater stability, safety and hope.

A preventative, cost-effective solution

Partnering with us works to strengthen families, improve child outcomes, and deliver tangible system benefits, making it ideally suited to Family Hub integration and Early Help commissioning.

Lucy Binns, Spurgeons Prisons Family Hub lead said:

“We take a broad view, working closely with services such as schools, Probation and Children’s Services to make sure family relationships are fully supported. We support positive family ties through visits and interventions. We work with professionals and community projects to meet the needs of the whole family and smooth the transition from custody to community and beyond. We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised by the HMPI report, highlighting the importance of family ties in reducing the risk of reoffending.”