unlocking hope for lasting change
Through the gate support for prison leavers and communities
about us
Pathway Mentoring CIC was founded by Mark Berry and registered as a community Interest Company in 2023. We are based in Telford, Shropshire and work across the West Midlands.
We offer 'through the gate' mentoring for those leaving prisons and those at risk of offending in the West Midlands, prison and community based programmes and projects, consultancy, training and support for faith and community groups who want to welcome Prison leavers and those at risk of offending.
Image © Mark Berry 2023
mark berry
Mark has worked for 30 years with people who are marginalised, as a community, youth and pioneer minister, most recently with men in Prison and Prison leavers. He has worked with an international charity and with the Church of England to setup community projects and as a safeguarding lead. He has delivered training for a number of charities and Church groups internationally on safeguarding, mentoring and community development. He has worked with a supported housing charity and Community Chaplaincy, based in the West Midlands, supporting Prison Leavers and delivering pre-release courses and one to one mentoring.
Mark's personal web site
Our Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, senior management in education, the care industry, the prison service, faith community leadership and commercial and social housing. They bring a huge amount of experience and skills to the company.
our purpose
Our purpose is to provide prisoners and those at risk of offending with the support and guidance they need to successfully reintegrate into society. We believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and we work tirelessly to provide individuals with the hope and the tools and resources they need to turn their lives around. Our mission is to reduce reoffending rates and help people lead fulfilling lives.
our vision
Our vision is to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their past. We believe that with the right support and guidance, anyone can turn their life around and become a valuable member of their community. We strive to help prison leavers successfully reintegrate into the community and to be able to build a better future for themselves.
"Caring, Listening and encouraging small steps offer an antidote to what can often be experienced as disconnected, unhearing and technocratic criminal justice system practices."
HM Inspectorate of Probation report into Mentoring 2021
testimonials
Stories from Prison Leavers and Professionals
probation officer
"Thank you, your support is outstanding and also, rare in this current climate. We are lucky to have you on board"
mentee b
"The first thing that stuck out to me was how approachable Mark was and how he greeted not only me but other lads on the wing and this put me at ease straight away. He introduced himself and instead of just bombarding me with information he took the time to ask if I was ok. Within a week I started the course. It was really well put together and delivered at a speed that suited each individual and nothing seemed too much trouble for Mark even when difficult situations would arise due to other prisoners this did not faze him, he would deal with the situation in the same cool, calm and collected manner he always has."
mentee h
"Mark visited me on the wing, he was really good to talk with, he was non-judgemental and treated me with respect. He asked me questions to do with my past and my hopes for the future. The way he talked to me was kind and considerate and very professional. I could tell he was actually listening to my answers and was taking them into account for what might help me in the future. I gained respect for him straight away because he always turned up when he said he would.
Mark has continued to give me support after leaving Prison. This has included helping me gain confidence, help with my IT skills, housing, job searching and plans for the future. He runs workshops on setting goals that are achievable and how to find step-by-step ways to get there that aren’t overwhelming, especially for people who have gone through trauma and addiction like me. Mark always goes the extra mile to hear me and help me when I am struggling. I wouldn’t be doing as well as I am, moving forward and feeling more hopeful about my future without his help."
mentee f
"Mark is an asset, an inspiration, and one of the kindest souls I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life. He has gone above and beyond to help and guide me through the hardest time in my life. Since being here and going on the course he showed me my worth and opened my mind to things I never would have thought before."
mentee d
"I am due to go into rehab and this has only happened due to me working close with Mark and Alex. They have changed my way of thinking and opened my mind to possibilities that I never thought I could do."