Supporting Skills and Second Chances at Portland Prison
The W&S team attended HMP Portland to deliver the newly reworked Waste Workshop Workbook, a project we are proud to endorse and have helped shape. Working closely with the prison’s Waste Workshop, we contributed to the development of the workbook’s content, ensuring it is practical, relevant and tailored to the needs of those taking part.
Leading Health and Safety Training
As part of our visit, we also led a training session focusing on the health and safety risks associated with working on a waste management site. These sessions are designed to give prisoners real-world insights into the industry, while equipping them with essential knowledge and transferable skills.
Supporting Careers in Waste Management
Our vision goes beyond training. We are committed to offering prisoners ongoing support and guidance about careers in the waste management sector. This includes access to further training, mock interview practice and, where possible, pathways to real interviews and employment opportunities.
Creating an Inspiring Learning Environment
Alongside education, we are helping to create an inspiring learning environment within the prison. Through our sponsorship of the Education Hub, we have so far provided a range of rescued and repurposed furniture – from meeting tables and chairs to sofas and a library space. Every item has been given a new lease of life, diverted from the waste stream and put to meaningful use, reflecting our belief in reuse, sustainability and second chances.
Protecting the Environment and Building Better Futures
This partnership with HMP Portland represents the heart of our mission: to protect the environment while creating opportunities for people to learn, grow and build better futures.
Social Impact Testimonial & HMP Portland HMP
“Portland began working with W&S Recycling just a few short months ago, and in that time, the partnership has already had a significant and positive impact on our establishment and the individuals in our care.
W&S Recycling has generously supported the prison by donating new furniture and books to upgrade our Employment Hub. These improvements have transformed the space into a more motivational and engaging environment for learners, helping to inspire personal development and future ambition.
The company has also played an instrumental role in enhancing our in-house waste management qualification. By endorsing and updating the course content, they have ensured it remains relevant, practical, and aligned with industry standards—better preparing our learners for work both in custody and upon release.
In addition, W&S Recycling has contributed ten bicycles to our on-site bike workshop. This has created new opportunities for meaningful, hands-on activity, allowing individuals to develop practical skills, build confidence, and engage in purposeful work.
Their donation of 21 black bins has strengthened our internal recycling efforts, supporting our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability within the prison.
Perhaps most importantly, W&S Recycling has shown a genuine willingness to collaborate with us. Their flexibility and eagerness to support better outcomes for the men at HMP Portland—both during their time in custody and as they prepare for resettlement—demonstrate a deep and commendable commitment to social impact.
We are grateful for their support and look forward to continuing this valuable partnership“.
