Carolyn Harris MP joins international delegation at HMP Bronzefield to showcase how wellbeing and opportunity are transforming women's rehabilitation

Carolyn Harris MP, Parliamentary Menopause Campaigner, visited HMP Bronzefield, Europe's largest women's prison operated by Sodexo, as part of an international learning exchange bringing together UK leaders and state legislators from California to explore innovative approaches to rehabilitation, wellbeing and reducing reoffending. 

The visit formed part of a wider collaboration with Impact Justice, the California based criminal justice organisation, which is leading a UK study programme for policymakers and legislators examining international best practice in prison reform and rehabilitation. 

Hosted by Sodexo, the Bronzefield visit focused on the role of wellbeing in rehabilitation, recognising that addressing trauma, mental health, confidence and resilience creates the foundations upon which education, employment and successful reintegration can thrive. Delegates heard directly from women in custody, reinforcing the principle that meaningful justice reform should be shaped not only by policy, but by the lived experiences of those navigating rehabilitation. 

Central to the visit was Starting Fresh, Sodexo's pioneering programme designed to support women in custody as they prepare for release by addressing the practical, emotional and social barriers that too often prevent successful reintegration into society. Through tailored support, skills development, education and partnerships with employers and community organisations, the programme aims to improve long term outcomes while reducing reoffending. 

Delegates also explored Sodexo's partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which enables women in custody to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and practical life skills through nationally recognised achievement. The programme demonstrates how rehabilitation extends beyond education and employment alone, helping individuals rebuild confidence, strengthen their sense of purpose and prepare for positive futures in their communities. 

The visit highlighted the growing recognition that improving wellbeing is fundamental to improving social mobility. Many women entering the criminal justice system have experienced significant trauma, poor mental health, domestic abuse, addiction and social exclusion. Addressing these challenges alongside education and employability creates stronger foundations for successful rehabilitation and greater opportunities to rebuild lives. 

Carolyn Harris, Member of Parliament for Neath and Swansea East and Chair of the APPG for Wellbeing, said: 

"Too often we view rehabilitation through a narrow lens, when in reality lasting change starts with wellbeing, dignity and hope. Visiting HMP Bronzefield has shown how creating an environment that prioritises mental wellbeing, personal development and meaningful opportunities can help women rebuild their confidence and prepare for a successful future.

"Many women in prison have experienced significant adversity long before they entered the criminal justice system. Breaking that cycle requires investment in people, partnerships and practical support that continues beyond the prison gate. It is encouraging to see programmes that recognise the importance of opportunity, purpose and human potential as part of effective rehabilitation."

Tony Simpson, Chief Operating Officer, Justice, Sodexo Government, added:

"Rehabilitation is ultimately about restoring opportunity. Many of the women in our care have faced significant disadvantage, trauma and barriers long before entering the justice system. Our role is to create an environment where wellbeing, education and purposeful activity become the foundation for lasting change.

"Through Starting Fresh and our partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, we are helping women develop confidence, resilience and the practical skills needed to build independent lives after release. Working alongside employers and community partners is essential if we are to create genuine pathways into work and reduce reoffending.

"We are proud to welcome Carolyn Harris MP and our international colleagues from Impact Justice to Bronzefield as part of this important exchange of ideas. By bringing together practitioners, policymakers and international partners, we can continue to strengthen rehabilitation and demonstrate how investing in people creates safer communities and better outcomes for everyone."

Paula Sherriff, Engagement Director at The Purpose Coalition, said:

"Throughout my time in Parliament, whether championing women's health, mental wellbeing or supporting communities facing the greatest disadvantage, I saw first-hand how opportunity and wellbeing are inseparable. When people have the right support, the confidence to believe in themselves and access to meaningful opportunities, lives can be transformed. 

"What Sodexo is demonstrating at HMP Bronzefield is exactly that principle in action. Through initiatives such as Starting Fresh and its partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, rehabilitation becomes about far more than serving a sentence. It becomes about creating genuine pathways into employment, independence and long-term social mobility. These are the kinds of approaches that deserve wider attention, both here in the UK and internationally." 

The visit also provided an opportunity for delegates from California to exchange ideas with UK practitioners, exploring how innovative partnerships between justice providers, employers, charities and policymakers can improve rehabilitation outcomes while strengthening communities. 

The Purpose Coalition, which works with organisations across the public and private sectors to expand opportunity and improve social mobility, supported the visit as part of its growing Purpose Lab Justice programme, which seeks to connect policymakers with evidence-based approaches that improve wellbeing, employment and long-term life chances for people in contact with the justice system. 

The international delegation heard how partnerships with employers, education providers and community organisations are helping women develop the confidence, qualifications and practical skills needed to build sustainable futures following release, reinforcing the important role that rehabilitation plays in creating stronger communities and reducing inequality.