Creating Opportunities for Women in Prisons

Women in prison often face challenges that don’t stop when their sentence ends. Lots of female ex-offenders have difficult pasts and need extra support to rebuild their lives. 

At Novus, we’ve seen firsthand how education and skills training can give women the confidence and opportunities they need for a fresh start. 

We’ll look at the challenges women face in prison, how Novus supports them, and why opportunities in learning and work matter. 

Challenges women in prison face 

Women in prison often deal with more than just their sentence. Many have experienced trauma, abuse, or poor mental health.  

Being in prison also affects families, especially children, making life after release even harder. 

Some of the main barriers include: 

• Fewer training and education options compared to men 
• Separation from children and family 
• High levels of trauma and mental health needs 
• Struggles finding work and housing after release 

Understanding these challenges is majorly important for helping women move forward. 

Supporting women in prison with Novus 

Novus offers education, training, and job-focused courses in women’s prisons. Our aim is to build skills and confidence that prepare women for life after release. 

This includes courses in essential skills, vocational training linked to job opportunities, creative enrichment, and partnerships with employers who want to hire learners with experience. 

By working together with women, educators, and community groups, we help build the positive next steps that ex-offenders really need. 

HMP Askham Grange 

Novus hosted a conference at HMP Askham Grange, bringing together residents, ex-residents, employers, women’s services, and colleagues from HMPPS.  

The event focused on how to better support women during and after custody, with discussions on building networks, improving outcomes, and reducing reoffending. 

Speakers included Novus leaders, national employers such as Virgin Trains and Cranswick, and women from Askham Grange who shared their own experiences.  

Event organiser Mairi-Anne MacLeod explained that the aim was to spark debate, capture ideas, and build connections that could lead to lasting change.  

Why education and work matter for rehabilitation 

Education and work are key to breaking the cycle of reoffending. Women who learn new skills or find a job after release are far more likely to build stable lives. 

Novus works with employers to: 

• Offer training that links to real jobs 
• Provide work placements in prison 
• Support women into jobs on release 
• Tackle stigma around hiring ex-offenders 

This practical support gives women the best chance of success when they leave prison. 

Empowering women makes a difference 

Supporting women in prison is about giving people the chance to rebuild their lives, support their families, and play a positive role in their communities – not just reducing reoffending. 

At Novus, we help women learn new skills, build confidence, and prepare for life after prison. 

Find out more about the work we do or get in touch to learn how you can work with us to create powerful opportunities for the people who need them most.