Meet Max: A Day in the Life of a Justice Support Worker

• Max helps people on probation develop confidence, stability, and wellbeing through structured activities and tailored support.
• His work ranges from mental health groups to community activities, all designed to reduce reoffending and promote rehabilitation.
• As a justice support worker, Max finds purpose in supporting people to make positive changes and reconnect with their communities.

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with more than 25 years of experience in providing support to people in prison and on probation.

Our aim has always been to aid rehabilitation and cut reoffending, and behind every success story are colleagues whose hard work and determination made it possible.  

To highlight their impact, we spoke to Max, an activity facilitator and support worker at a probation hub in South Yorkshire.

Supporting people on probation in South Yorkshire

Max has been with the Growth Company for several years, and he generally follows the same routine.

“Today’s our men’s mental health group,” he tells us. “So, I started the day by writing up some points to focus on in our session. In the morning, I generally catch up on my case work admin.”

Max acknowledges that the job can be tough at times: “Some of the people I’m working with are going through really chaotic periods in their lives. This could be due to substance misuse, being survivors of abuse, or experiencing serious mental health challenges. Some of the sessions can be complex, and under time restraints, it can be difficult.”

But Max says the rewards can be huge, “especially when you see someone getting back into employment or back into society.”

“Once a week or so, we head down to the community allotment. I really enjoy this part of the job. Activities like this naturally bring people together to talk, and we also get food that we can cook at the hub.

“We run various groups to cater to participants’ specific needs, too, including a dedicated LGBTQ+ group.”

Max’s story highlights the Growth Company’s commitment to delivering person-centred justice support with rehabilitation and reducing reoffending in mind.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 35-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Find out more about the justice support that we deliver in prisons and in the community.