From Prison to Community: What Works?

Sharing Learning from the Phoenix and Athena Projects 📅 24 September 2026 🕚 10:00am – 3:00pm 📍 The Ballroom, Grimsby Town Hall Join us for an engaging event bringing together policymakers, commissioners, service providers, researchers, people with lived experience, and criminal justice partners to explore what works when supporting prison leavers to successfully reintegrate into their communities. We are delighted to announce that Dame Carol Black will be opening the event. Widely recognised as one of the UK's leading voices on public health, Dame Carol's landmark independent review of drugs has been instrumental in shaping the Government's national strategy to prevention, treatment and recovery. Her influential work and expertise make her uniquely placed to set the scene for a day focused on improving outcomes for people leaving prison and support their successful return to the community. Through a combination of keynote speakers, lived experience testimony, evaluation findings, panel discussions and networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable insights into effective approaches for supporting people leaving prison and overcoming barriers to recovery, rehabilitation and social inclusion. What to Expect • Hear the story behind the development of the Phoenix and Athena projects • Opening address from Dame Carol Black • Learn what works when supporting prison leavers returning to the community • Listen to powerful accounts from people with lived experience • Gain early access to evaluation findings and key lessons learned • Network with colleagues and partners from across health, criminal justice, local government and the voluntary sector Who Should Attend This event is relevant to: • Policymakers • Commissioners • Public health professionals • Criminal justice practitioners • Service providers • Voluntary and community sector organisations • Researchers and evaluators • Representatives from MoJ, HMPPS, OHID and partner agencies Exhibition and Displays Throughout the event attendees will have the opportunity to visit: • An exhibition showcasing participant photographs that capture the impact of support after prison. • Information stands from local services and stakeholders Further Information A buffet lunch, along with tea, coffee and refreshments, will be provided throughout the event. Confirmed speakers and the full programme will be announced shortly. We look forward to welcoming you to Grimsby Town Hall for a day of learning, collaboration and shared action to improve outcomes for people leaving prison. Find out more about Wizer and their work: Home - Wizer Further details about the evaluation can be found below and at https://phirst.nihr.ac.uk/evaluations/prison-leavers-project-phoenix-athena/