Next week, Prisons Week (12–18 October) invites churches and communities across the country to pray for and support those affected by crime and imprisonment.
As Christians, we believe no one is beyond redemption. Every person is made in God’s image and capable of change. Punishment alone cannot restore what’s been broken. Restoration begins when people are given the chance to rebuild trust, dignity, and purpose.
That belief is being lived out at Cotteswold Dairy in Tewkesbury through a partnership with Leyhill Prison in South Gloucestershire. Their Prison Dairy Worker scheme gives prisoners nearing release the opportunity to work regular shifts at the dairy, gaining skills, income, and confidence as they prepare to rejoin society.
Louise Woodward, Director at Cotteswold Dairy and a worshipper at Holy Trinity Church, Tewkesbury, said the idea began after COVID.
“Recruitment was difficult, and we saw a chance to do something positive. We agreed that prisoners nearing the end of their sentence could come and work for us. It’s a way of helping them back into society,” she said.
The prisoners travel on a minibus to and from Leyhill. Recruitment follows standard company processes; vacancies are advertised at the prison, inmates fill in an application, and they are interviewed and offered the role if they are suitable. They are paid the same wage as regular staff, issued with uniform and given training and progression opportunities, and are always treated fairly as a full and valued part of the team.
They work in the dairy’s warehouse and production areas, processing, picking and packing orders and preparing goods for delivery.
“The dairy uses a buddy scheme where a prisoner is paired with a staff ‘buddy’ to help them settle in. It eases integration and often creates strong friendships. In practice, you wouldn’t know who’s from the prison and who isn’t,” Louise said.
The scheme gives prisoners some structure, stability, and a reason to stay on the right path. A portion of their wage goes directly to victim support charities.
“Giving people the opportunity to work is an effective way to prevent reoffending. We’ve seen lives change – one man, who continued working for us after his release, left the role and moved away to reunite with his family and rebuild their relationship. His family could see the difference in him.
“We are thrilled that some have left prison and joined us permanently, while others have valued the experience to open up opportunities elsewhere. Obviously, keeping them in employment is ideal for us, but if we have helped give skills and confidence that they can use elsewhere to start afresh, then that is a great outcome too.
“We’re not here to judge. Everyone deserves a second chance. If someone is sorry and wants to make a fresh start, we can help them do that. For me, that’s faith in action – giving people a chance to turn over a new leaf and give back to society. Some of them walk with their head held higher, it’s helped with their social skills and confidence, they feel welcome and part of the team, and they show gratitude for having had the opportunity.
“They have also said how they feel they are giving back to the community, that they can speak openly with us, and it is beneficial to their mental health.”
→ Prisons Week 2025 information and resources
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