Keepmoat and Strata have joined forces with His Majesty's Prison Service to launch a woodworking workshop at HMP Lindholme in Doncaster, aiming to reduce reoffending across Yorkshire by improving prisoners' skills and job prospects ahead of release.

The new joinery hub is designed to provide practical carpentry training alongside employability support, helping participants build confidence, learn a trade and increase their chances of securing work in the community.

Developed in partnership by Keepmoat, Strata and HMP Lindholme, the initiative offers hands-on experience in joinery, with prisoners producing items such as planters, bird boxes and bug boxes. These will be donated to local schools and community organisations.

As well as trade skills, the programme emphasises transferable workplace abilities, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving and time management, to support a smoother transition into employment post-release.

Governor at HMP Lindholme, Shaun Mycroft, said: "At HMP Lindholme, our priority is to equip the men in our care with the skills, behaviours and confidence they need to build stable, productive lives on release and, ultimately, to reduce reoffending and protect the public.

"This new joinery skills hub is an excellent example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. By collaborating with Keepmoat and Strata, we are able to provide high-quality, real-world training that reflects the needs of local employers and the wider economy.

-- Advertisement --

"The opportunity for prisoners to develop practical trade skills alongside important employability behaviours, such as teamwork, reliability and problem-solving is critical in supporting successful resettlement. Importantly, the work they produce will also make a positive contribution to local schools and community groups, reinforcing a sense of purpose, responsibility and pride.

"We know that sustainable employment is one of the most significant factors in reducing reoffending. Initiatives like this play a key role in helping individuals turn their lives around, while also supporting safer communities across Yorkshire."

Ministry of Justice research indicates that people leaving prison are less likely to reoffend if they move into stable employment. The workshop forms part of broader efforts to expand meaningful rehabilitation opportunities that support long-term outcomes and safer communities.

Ciaran Aldridge, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East added: "We know that meaningful employment can play a huge role in helping people rebuild their lives after prison. This new woodworking hub provides prisoners with practical, hands-on experience while also helping them develop confidence, discipline and transferable skills that employers are looking for.

"At Keepmoat, creating opportunities within the communities we work in is incredibly important to us. Supporting initiatives like this is about giving people a genuine second chance while helping to develop future talent and skills.

"We're proud to be working alongside HMP Lindholme on an initiative that has the potential to make a lasting impact for individuals, families and communities."

The scheme also aligns with the needs of the construction and trades sectors, which continue to experience growing skills shortages and rising demand for qualified workers.

Mark Leaf, Chief Growth Officer at Strata, added: "The Joinery Hub will give prisoners the skills, experience, and confidence they need to move into employment on release, making a real difference not just for them, but for their families and communities.

"Providing hands-on, practical training means people leave with something tangible to offer employers. Supporting individuals to make the most of a second chance and helping to reduce reoffending is something we are incredibly proud to be part of."