What We Do

• Monthly prison visits to six Midlands establishments, including HMP Oakwood, Hewell, and Stoke Heath, Featherstone, and Brinsford and Birmingham.
• Pre-release wellbeing assessments, with individualised action plans
• Emergency housing and benefits support
• Warm referrals to Op Nova, the Poppy Factory, DWP Armed Forces Champions, and more
• Post-release mentoring and peer support
• Access to the 7 Step Civilian Skills Program
• Community Payback programmes designed specifically for veterans — with a 98% success rate in reducing reoffending

Continuing Support Beyond the Gate

Veterans are welcomed into our West Midlands Wellbeing Centre, where they can access:

• Hot food and showers
• Banter & Brew peer support sessions every week in 6 different locations.
• Structured support around housing, mental wellbeing, and purpose
• Safe, veteran-led social connection
• A tailored Family Support Programme at both our Wellbeing Centres and the LINK Community Hub

Working in Partnership

We are proud to be full members of COBSEO and sit within the Justice Cluster, working alongside:

• Op Nova
• Forces Employment Charity
• Local housing authorities and Armed Forces Champions
• The National Probation Service
• Op Courage NHS
• Veteran-specific MAPPA panels

Making a Measurable Difference

Our programme works because it’s personal, rapid, and designed by veterans for veterans.
Outcomes to date include:

• 45 ex-offender veterans supported
• Over 30 housed and into employment
• 40 veterans have not reoffended
• Only 5 recalls — with most due to factors beyond our control

And we’re only just getting started.

Veteran Voices

Case Study: Finding Strength After Custody

After serving time in custody, James* (Not his real name) was released with little more than a small bag and a heavy weight on his shoulders. He felt lost, unsure of where to turn, and worried that he might end up back inside. The world outside had changed, and he didn’t know where he fit in anymore.

That’s when he was introduced to STEPWAY through the Veteran in Custody Support Officer at his prison. Before his release, STEPWAY carried out a wellbeing assessment and began to build a plan with James — one that focused on housing, health, and reconnecting with purpose.

Once released, James came straight to the West Midlands Wellbeing Centre, where he was met with warmth and no judgement. He had access to hot food, a shower, and someone who listened.

With the help of STEPWAY’s outreach worker and the support of Op Courage NHS, James was able to start addressing his PTSD. He also joined the 7 Step Civilian Skills Program, which helped him rediscover his confidence and build a daily routine. Through the Banter & Brew sessions, he connected with other veterans, which gave him a renewed sense of belonging.

“STEPWAY helped me find strength when I needed it most. Their support has given me the confidence to rebuild my life and rediscover a sense of purpose I thought I had lost.”

Today, James is in safe accommodation, working part-time, and mentoring other veterans who are walking a similar path.

Reducing Reoffending, One Step at a Time

Our veteran-led Community Payback pathway is delivered in partnership with Probation Services. Veterans can complete their community service through structured projects — including gardening, joinery, and wellbeing work.
This tailored approach gives each veteran a sense of purpose, community, and dignity, while actively reducing reoffending.

98% success rate in preventing reoffending through our veteran-focused Payback Programme.