It was a memorable night for our member group Release Mates last week as they were winners of the one of the winners of top national  accolade the Stephen Lloyd Award.

Release Mates founding director David Dunn and the group’s general manager Stacey Nicholson travelled to a prestigious ceremony in London after being shortlisted for the award and were delighted to be announced as winners.

“This is a huge opportunity for us as the awards do not only bring £25,000 in funding, but also the pro bono support of social enterprise solicitors, impact measurement experts, a pro bono safeguarding team and much more,” said Mr Dunn.

He said it would be a huge help in supporting the group’s growing programme of work, and Mr Dunn said he was also happy to help and support any members who may consider applying for the award next year.

Release Mates only started up relatively recently and PCN assisted in their initial steps of forming as a group and getting up and running.

The group’s main work involves assisting former prisoners in the first hours following their release, offering support, info and advice.

They were initially based at the support hub at Preston Prison but now operate at several other locations across the region.

Release Mates founding director David Dunn and the group’s general manager Stacey Nicholson with their Stephen Lloyd Award

David Dunn of Release Mates, second left, at the Stephen Lloyd Awards ceremony in London