AQO 2958/22-27
Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley
Tabled Date: 08/01/2026
Answered On Date: 20/01/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to outline the new You Matter pilot project for women and young men leaving Hydebank Wood College.
Answer:
ANSWER While most people leaving prison will have a place to live, for some, leaving prison will be an uncertain time and can mean they have nowhere to stay. Homelessness can be a major barrier to reintegration, and this initiative aims to break that cycle by providing practical support and a sense of dignity at a critical point in their lives. The “You Matter Bag” project was created in response to feedback from women and young men in Hydebank Wood who shared the emotional and practical challenges of leaving custody, particularly when facing homelessness, social disconnection or lack of immediate support. By listening to those with lived experience, the project ensures that solutions are not only effective but also respectful and person-centred. The Northern Ireland Prison Service teamed up with Start 360 and Ardoyne Youth Club to support people leaving prison by providing each person, who was known to be homeless, with a ‘You Matter’ bag. The bags were designed to provide practical tools for that first day such as toiletries including toothpaste, shower gel and antiperspirant, as well as water and cuppa soup, alongside information about where to go for food, shelter and help. The bags were financed through a donation to Start360 from People’s Kitchen and were presented to Hydebank Wood College by Ardoyne Youth Club during Homeless Week which ran from 1 to 7 December 2025. The project is a great example of partnership working, bringing together Start360 and Hydebank as well as the incredible young people from Ardoyne Youth Club, whose creativity and commitment has been instrumental in shaping this work. This highlights the power of community collaboration in tackling some of the most complex social challenges. As a pilot, the project does not claim to solve systemic issues. It hopes to restore dignity, comfort and provide clarity on what comes next. The ambition is to build on its success and secure ongoing funding, so that every person leaving prison has the respect, care, and opportunities they deserve.
|