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At Shannon Trust, we know that learning to read is a vital skill to support rehabilitation. It’s hard to re-engage with society outside of prison and rebuild a future when so much depends on the ability to read letters, complete forms and applications.
That’s why I recently visited the CFO Hub in Nottingham, to see first-hand how people are being supported as they take those next steps, and how Shannon Trust is making a difference.
CFO Hubs provide through-the-gate support to people who are on probation or leaving prison, and they tailor this support to an individual’s needs. Whether someone requires assistance with job applications, finances, managing appointments, or simply building the confidence to engage with others, there are trained staff on hand to help them.
The main goal of this work is to help people become employment-ready and be able to reintegrate into society.
Alongside practical help, the Hub creates a safe, welcoming environment where people can rebuild confidence and develop social skills. Activities like cooking classes, arts and crafts, sports and fitness sessions, and even a weekly book club provide structure, purpose and connection.
Because for many people, the biggest barrier stopping them from seeking help with reading isn’t ability - it’s shame.
Staff at the Hub spoke about how difficult it can be for individuals to come forward and ask for help, particularly with reading. Building trust and relationships is key. Over time, that trust enables people to open up, engage, and start making real progress.
“A lot of the people we work with have had really negative experiences of education. There’s a lot of shame there, and that can stop people from asking for help. What we try to do is create an environment where people feel safe, where they’re not judged, and where they can build trust over time. Once that trust is there, you start to see people open up and really engage. We’ve seen people come in with very low confidence and, over time, become much more independent and ready to take the next steps towards employment,” said Chris, Activity Facilitator at Nottingham CFO Hub.
This is where Shannon Trust’s approach fits so naturally.
Like our work in prisons, the Hub uses a peer mentoring model, supporting people to learn with others who understand or relate to their experiences. Using our Turning Pages programme, learners can build their reading skills in a way that feels accessible, informal and supportive.
The benefits aren’t just felt by learners. One mentor told us: "I have worked with Shannon Trust, and Toe-by-Toe before that, in one capacity or another since entering the prison system in 2004. Every person I have helped along my journey has given me more back than I ever gave them. Seeing someone, who didn’t have any confidence or belief in their own abilities, go from struggling to understand the alphabet to being able to write letters to their loved ones and be able to fill out their own paperwork has been a blessing for me. It’s definitely a worthwhile experience and I look forward to continuing this support for as long as I am able.
Chris shared how one learner had come on “leaps and bounds” through this approach which is a reminder of the transformative impact that the right support, at the right time, can have.
They told us: "I was hesitant when my support worker put me forward for the training as I've always had someone there to help me when reading was difficult. My coach is great at teaching. I'm not quite there [with my reading] yet, but I'm getting better."
We’re also excited to be working together on activities linked to the National Year of Reading, helping to create more opportunities for people to engage with reading in ways that feel relevant to their everyday lives.
Spending time at the Hub was a great reminder that learning, confidence and support shouldn’t stop at the prison gate. When people have the right support around them, they're far better placed to build stable, independent lives, and thrive in their community.
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