Practical support where it matters most
Old Lags Network delivers peer-led support across custody and the community, helping people navigate release, supervision, and resettlement with clarity and stability.
We focus on compliance, safety, and progression — recognising that expectations alone are not enough without meaningful support.
Our Core Support
Our work includes:
- Pre-release engagement to prepare people for the realities of release
- Immediate support on release day to reduce risk and missed appointments
- Ongoing mentoring and advocacy in the community
- Practical provision of essentials, tools, and access to services
- Partnership working with prisons, probation, councils, charities, and employers
Everything we deliver is grounded in lived experience and designed to work in practice — not just on paper.
Current Projects
The Departure LoungE
A flagship OLN project operating at release prisons.
The Departure Lounge is a safe, structured space for people leaving custody, designed to replace chaos with clarity on release day. Individuals can receive essential items, connect directly with probation, housing, and local services, and leave custody prepared — not abandoned.
The model reduces immediate risk, missed appointments, and early recall.
Peer-Led Prison Engagement
OLN supports peer mentoring and informal guidance for people still in custody — particularly those approaching release or struggling with transition.
This work builds trust, reduces isolation, and creates early stability before release.
Partnerships & Donations Programme
OLN works with ethical businesses and organisations to redirect surplus goods, equipment, and resources into release packs and community support.
Upcoming Projects
Upcoming work includes:
- Early-days-in-custody support
- Formal peer mentor pathways
- Employment and skills partnerships
- Digital resources for people leaving custody and their families
