Sycamore Tree

After 25 transformative years, Sycamore Tree no longer meets the current criteria for endorsement under the 2023 National Framework for Interventions set out by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), and as such is not currently being delivered.

Alongside our sadness, we also know that there is much to celebrate, as the programme has impacted over 40,000 learners, delivered by hundreds of trained and dedicated Prison Fellowship volunteers. Thousands of learners have come not only to understand the impact of their actions and the experiences of those they harmed, but that change, forgiveness and a new future are possible.

Time and again, the programme has brought grace, insight and hope into places often marked by revenge and despair.

As one learner expressed:

‘It made me realise you can change and there are people out there to help you. It made me think about who I have affected and how they feel. I will leave here feeling I can change.’

We are actively engaged in constructive conversations with key partners within HMPPS about how the core principles and life-changing content of Sycamore Tree might continue to have an impact in new and meaningful ways within our prisons. We are committed to exploring all opportunities to ensure this powerful work can reach those who need it most.

All of Prison Fellowship’s other programmes and activities continue as normal, as we partner with chaplaincies across HMPPS. Our mission to show Christ’s love to people in prison remains as strong and focussed as ever. We continue to serve faithfully through our existing ministries, while pursuing new avenues as part of our strategic vision for the future.

What is Restorative Justice?

“Restorative practice supports people to recognise that all of their activities affect others and that people are responsible for their choices and actions and can be held accountable for them. It enables people to reflect on how they interact with each other and consider how best to prevent harm and conflict.” – Restorative Justice Council

Restorative Justice asks Offenders to face up to the impact of their crimes and to take responsibility for their actions, and it gives victims a greater voice in the criminal justice system.

A review of evidence by Professors Lawrence Sherman and Heather Strang of Cambridge University, found that in one study, the rate of re-conviction amongst those offenders participating in Restorative Justice was reduced by as much as 28%. [Restorative Justice: The Evidence, Sherman & Strang, The Smith Institute 2007]

Does it work?

An evaluation of Prison Fellowship’s Sycamore Tree Programme was undertaken by Sheffield Hallam University in 2009. The study took psychometric evaluations from 5,000 prisoners taking the course between 2005 and 2009. 13% of the overall sample were women and 17% were young offenders.

The evaluation found that:

Across the whole sample (5,000 prisoners) there were significant positive attitudinal changes that were statistically associated with completion of the programme;
The positive attitudinal changes were associated with all groups of prisoners and all institutional categories;
Both male and female prisoners demonstrated an increased awareness of the impact of their actions as well as a reduced anticipation of reoffending;
Both adults and young offenders demonstrated an increased awareness of the impact of their actions as well as a reduced anticipation of reoffending.

[An evaluation of the Sycamore Tree programme, August 2009, Hallam Centre for Community Justice: Sheffield Hallam University]

We recognise that the Sycamore Tree programme is one tool that we can offer men and women in prison as they do the hard work of turning their lives around. The journey of desistance is a life-long one, with many challenges and barriers to overcome, but so much of the feedback we receive shows that this course is a powerful and transformative moment on that journey for many learners.