Our Mission
Community Chaplaincy Association’s mission is to support the successful resettlement and reintegration of people leaving prison.
At the Community Chaplaincy Association, our mission is to support the successful resettlement and reintegration of people leaving prison by championing hope, dignity, and opportunity within communities across the UK.
Through our network of member projects, we work alongside prison leavers to provide practical, emotional, and relational support at some of the most challenging points in their lives.
Rooted in compassion, trust, and lived experience, our members offer mentoring, advocacy, accommodation support, community connection, and pathways into training, employment, and wellbeing.
We believe that everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their life and contribute positively to society.
What Drives Our Mission
Stronger
Together
We build partnerships between prisons, communities, faith groups and voluntary organisations.
Restoring
Lives
We reduce reoffending, restore relationships, and create safe, more inclusive communities.
Challenging
Stigma
We challenge stigma and promote social justice at every opportunity.
Moving
Forward
We support individuals to move forward with purpose, confidence, and hope.
No One
Alone
Our dream and passion is that no one leaving prison has to face the journey of rebuilding their life alone.
Theory of Change
The Community Chaplaincy Association’s Theory of Change is a way of working that draws on the experience of practitioners and research evidence (see our Research page in this section) about effective interventions. It argues that establishing a trusting relationship between a mentor and a mentee is the catalyst for bringing about lasting change. It suggests that the following factors help the service to be effective:
In some cases, co-located at prisons: accessible, drop-in culture
Knowledge/experience of systems (e.g. benefits, housing)
Rigorous volunteer recruitment and training
Careful matching of mentors and mentees
Flexible/adaptable approach
Part of a national network – enables improved cross-area work and gives opportunity for sharing best practice
Faith ethos: see humanity in people, desire to do good, support each other
Partnerships with community organisations and statutory providers
The Theory of Change draws on desistence literature and looks to support and empower those leaving prison in their journey away from crime and towards a changed self-identity and reengagement with the communities that they are part of it. It recognises the skills and positive attributes that each individual brings, and not just the need to manage risk.
Community chaplaincies take a holistic approach to meeting people’s needs, working with each person as an individual and respecting their needs and goals. Mentors work with mentees in a variety of ways including: signposting mentees to resources and advocating on their behalf, supporting progress and listening to mentees’ concerns, encouraging pro-social attitudes and behaviour, supporting family contact and demonstrating hope and optimism. Community chaplaincies harness the resources that are available within faith communities, most particularly volunteers who give their time as mentors to support those who are seeking to make a fresh start after leaving prison. Community chaplaincies are multi-faith and work with those in prison and prison leavers of all faiths and none. Community chaplaincies take a holistic approach to meeting people’s needs.