Break the Cycle is a new and innovative project based in Newington aimed at providing accommodation and support for male offenders with the object of reducing reoffending. The project provides a home and a focus for six men who have recently been released from prison, supporting them in addressing the substance use and mental health issues that have resulted in them reoffending in the past. As the Ramsgate Town Council councillor for Newington and someone who has worked in substance misuse and mental health services, I have a personal interest in this programme and the changes it is providing to the lives of those fortunate to be housed there. I have been aware through my work in East Kent that the difficulties for so many ex-prisoners result from their release and the lack of support available at this vital stage.
Kelly Napier, the manager of the Newington project, had worked for ten years at ‘Catching Lives’ in Canterbury. This is a day centre for homeless people, and she noticed a troubling pattern, where many individuals were presenting on Friday afternoons, freshly released from prison. They had undergone detoxification during their sentences, only to be discharged straight into street homelessness. With services closed for the weekend and the individuals who needed a prescription for their substitute left without this vital support, by the time they reappeared on Monday, they had often been lost back to addiction.
Kelly was determined to change this cycle. She spent a decade campaigning for a supported housing project that did not simply replicate existing models. Through extensive research, she recognised that intensive support was essential for individuals to truly rebuild their lives, securing genuine rehabilitation from repeat offending, homelessness, addiction, and mental health struggles.
Kelly is a very determined woman and she was in pursuit of a vision. To this end, she engaged with all organisations supporting prison leavers, and at one meeting, a representative from Together Canterbury joined the conversation. It was suggested that a house might be available through the diocese, given the campaign’s alignment with the church’s commitment to using housing for missionary purposes, specifically homelessness prevention. This vision became reality, but only because of The Social Justice Network. Without them, the project simply would not exist. Together Canterbury evolved into Together Kent and now operates as The Social Justice Network—the landlords of the property. Kelly serves as the support manager, ensuring the individuals here receive the life-changing assistance they deserve. There was initially considerable local opposition to the house and its occupants, but a public meeting helped allay fears and the residents are now accepted into the Newington community, playing their part in local events.
Kelly provides comprehensive, person-centred support to residents with complex needs, including histories of homelessness, offending, addiction, and mental health challenges, through tailored, trauma-informed care, motivational engagement, and transformative opportunities. The aim of the programme is to empower individuals to achieve personal development, stability, and reintegration. The project also encompasses maximising residents’ incomes through benefits, enhancing financial capability, facilitating transition to independent living, and offering ongoing transitional support. Kelly fosters a somatic approach which links mental and bodily health and is integral to fostering mental well-being and resilience, with the aim of ensuring lasting change. The outcomes so far have been very positive and there have been real changes for the individuals housed in Newington.
Written by:
Councillor Jane Hetherington
Councillor for Newington Ward