KINETIC IMPACT REPORT JUNE 2025-MARCH 2026

Kinetic Youth – HMP&YOI Swinfen Hall

Kinetic Youth began delivering at HMPYOI Swinfen Hall in June 2025, taking responsibility for conflict resolution, mediation, Peacekeeper development and targeted support for high‑risk young adults. The service was mobilised at short notice within a challenging custodial context, alongside staffing and vetting constraints; however, delivery was rapidly embedded and sustained throughout the reporting period.

 

The purpose of the service is not simply to respond to incidents once they occur, but to reduce violence, prevent escalation and support long‑term stability by working intensively with young adults who present the greatest risks to safety and regime access.

Throughout the year, Kinetic primarily
worked with young adults who:
  • Were involved in repeated conflict, intimidation or violence
  • Had histories of weapon use or gang affiliation
  • Were subject to non‑associations restricting movement and engagement
  • Were placed in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU)
  • Were self‑isolating due to perceived or actual threats
  • Were refusing education, work or regime activity

These individuals often experience cycles of segregation, movement restriction and disengagement. Kinetic’s role was to interrupt those cycles.

PARTICIPATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Kinetic Youth began delivering at HMPYOI Swinfen Hall in June 2025, taking responsibility for conflict resolution, mediation, Peacekeeper development and targeted support for high‑risk young adults. The service was mobilised at short notice within a challenging custodial context, alongside staffing and vetting constraints; however, delivery was rapidly embedded and sustained throughout the reporting period.

The purpose of the service is not simply to respond to incidents once they occur, but to reduce violence, prevent escalation and support long‑term stability by working intensively with young adults who present the greatest risks to safety and regime access.

What We Did

Kinetic prioritised engagement work with individuals who:

  • Were refusing education, employment or regime activities
  • Had disengaged following conflict or disciplinary incidents
  • Were in the CSU or self‑isolating due to safety concerns
  • Had lost confidence in engaging with staff or services

Engagement was supported through:

  • Relationship‑based 1:1 work focused on trust‑building
  • Flexible delivery across wings, CSU and in‑cell settings
  • Conflict resolution work to remove or manage barriers to engagement
  • Use of accredited AQA learning to provide structure and purpose
  • Practical advocacy with wing staff, education and Safer Custody
  • Involvement of Peacekeepers to support peer‑led engagement
Kinetic continued engagement even when progress was slow, recognising that consistency was key to engaging the most marginalised individuals.

 

Participation and Engagement Outcomes across the reporting period:

 

  • 1,400+ individual engagements were recorded across all delivery strands
  • Monthly engagement levels remained strong despite regime disruption

 

Importantly, engagement was sustained over time, with many individuals engaging repeatedly across months and delivery areas.

What Changed as a Result:

Kinetic’s engagement‑focused approach resulted in:

  • Young adults re‑engaging with education after periods of refusal linked to conflict or non‑associations
  • Increased participation in employment and wing roles following reintegration
  • Improved confidence around movement and interaction within the establishment
  • Reduced withdrawal among self‑isolating individuals
  • Increased willingness to seek support before issues escalated

Engagement was not limited to attendance alone; it reflected meaningful participation in interventions that supported behaviour change and progression.

Kinetic maintained engagement within high‑risk settings throughout the year, including:

 

  • Weekly CSU engagement, ensuring individuals did not disengage further during segregation
  • Regular contact with self‑isolating prisoners despite restricted access
  • Continued engagement with individuals following incidents, adjudications or suspensions


This consistent presence reduced isolation, supported emotional wellbeing, and enabled safer reintegration planning.

Participation and engagement outcomes at Swinfen Hall demonstrate that relationship‑based delivery, flexibility and persistence are central to re‑engaging young adults with complex needs. By addressing the underlying barriers to participation — particularly conflict, fear and lack of trust — Kinetic supported young people to move from disengagement toward meaningful, sustained involvement in the regime.

DELIVERY AREAS – KEY FINDINGS

Conflict Resolution and Violence Reduction

What We Did

Kinetic delivered conflict resolution as a structured, relationship‑based intervention rather than a single mediation event. This included:

  • 1:1 conflict exploration sessions
  • Pre‑mediation preparation and risk assessment
  • Liaison with Safer Custody, Security, wing staff and OMU
  • Supporting decision‑making around location and movement
  • Ensuring mediation was only progressed where it was safe and appropriate

Where mediation was not appropriate, work focused on managing conflict safely, not forcing resolution.

What Changed as a Result

As a result of this approach:

  • Young adults demonstrated improved consequential thinking
  • Issues were addressed earlier, before escalating into violence
  • Non‑associations were removed or safely managed
  • Individuals were able to re‑access education, work and movement
  • Wing staff reported improved stability and fewer repeat incidents

Conflict resolution became a gateway to reintegration, not an isolated process.

Managing Non‑Associations and Reintegration into Regime

What We Did

Kinetic continued engagement even when progress was slow, recognising that consistency was key to engaging the most marginalised individuals.

 

A substantial proportion of referrals related directly to non‑associations and perceived risk preventing regime access. Kinetic supported reintegration by:

  • Working with individuals to test perceived vs actual risk
  • Supporting safer decision‑making around movement
  • Liaising with Safer Custody on risk‑informed location planning
  • Preparing individuals emotionally and practically for reintegration
  • Involving Peacekeepers where peer support would increase stability

This work frequently took place while individuals were in CSU or self‑isolating.

What Changed as a Result

As a direct outcome:

  • Individuals previously refusing education returned to sessions
  • Prisoners progressed from CSU to wing placements successfully
  • Reduced reliance on prolonged segregation or repeated moves
  • Young adults remained stable on wings following reintegration
  • Access to purposeful activity increased

Reintegration was sustained, not temporary, because the underlying conflict was addressed.

PEACEKEEPER PROGRAMME

What We Did

Kinetic supported and developed the Peacekeeper programme as a core violence‑reduction tool by:

  • Delivering structured conflict resolution training
  • Providing regular 1:1 and group support
  • Supporting Peacekeepers through suspension, step‑down and progression
  • Advocating for clear boundaries between Peacekeepers and staff
  • Providing enrichment and recognition to maintain morale

Peacekeepers completed accredited learning aligned to:

  • Communication
  • Emotional regulation
  • Accountability
  • Managing conflict safely

What Changed as a Result

Over the year:

  • Peacekeepers became more confident and effective in their role
  • Peer‑led de‑escalation increased
  • Peacekeepers supported staff decision‑making around risky situations
  • Even after stepping down, positive behaviours were maintained
  • Interest in Peacekeeper vacancies increased

Peacekeepers increasingly functioned as a stabilising peer presence, not just representatives.

Care and Separation Unit (CSU)

What We Did

Kinetic maintained a consistent weekly presence in the CSU, working with young adults often excluded from other services. Delivery included:
  • Reflective 1:1s following incidents
  • Emotional regulation and accountability work
  • In‑cell AQAs and enrichment
  • Engagement with young adults held for prolonged periods

Kinetic continued engagement even when individuals were dysregulated or resistant.

What Changed as a Result

CSU work contributed to:

  • Reduced aggression and assaults on staff
  • Improved insight and reflection
  • Smoother reintegration back to wings
  • Reduced cycles of segregation

Several individuals progressed from CSU engagement into wing employment or Peacekeeper pathways.

SELF‑ISOLATION AND HIGH‑RISK INDIVIDUALS

What We Did

Kinetic worked with individuals’ self‑isolating due to safety concerns by:

  • Maintaining regular well-being contact
  • Providing in‑cell work and activity
  • Supporting movement to visits and healthcare
  • Planning gradual reintegration with wing staff

What Changed as a Result

This work:

  • Reduced isolation and withdrawal
  • Supported mental wellbeing
  • Enabled engagement with regime
  • Prevented further deterioration or escalation

IMPACT AND OUTCOMES

Across the reporting period (June 2025 – March 2026), Kinetic Youth delivered a sustained, relationship‑based service that contributed to improved safety, stability and engagement at HMPYOI Swinfen Hall. The impact of the service is evidenced through participation data, qualitative outcomes, and consistent reporting across conflict resolution, Peacekeeper development, and work within the Care and Separation Unit (CSU).

Violence Reduction and Behaviour Change
  • Reduced escalation of conflict through early intervention and structured conflict resolution
  • Improved emotional regulation and consequential thinking among high‑risk young adults
  • Reduced repeat incidents among individuals engaged intensively, including those with weapon‑related histories
  • Decreased aggression and improved compliance among CSU residents following sustained engagement
Management of Non‑Associations and Reintegration
  • Non‑associations were safely managed or removed following structured conflict‑resolution work
  • Young adults previously restricted by conflict returned to education, work and regime activity
  • Progression from segregation or self‑isolation to wing placement occurred more safely and sustainably
  • Reduced cycling between CSU, isolation and wing moves due to unresolved conflict
Participation and Engagement
  • Over 1,400 recorded engagements across all delivery areas
  • Sustained engagement with individuals most at risk of disengagement, rather than one‑off contact
  • Increased participation in education, employment and wing roles following targeted support
  • Improved confidence around movement and interaction within the establishment
Peacekeeper Programme Outcomes
  • Strengthened Peacekeeper role as a peer‑led stabilisation mechanism
  • Increased peer‑to‑peer de‑escalation and early identification of risk
  • Improved morale, retention and interest in Peacekeeper vacancies
  • Continued positive behaviour even after stepping down from formal roles
Work with CSU and Self‑Isolating Individuals
  • Weekly CSU engagement maintained throughout the year
  • Reduced isolation and deterioration during segregation
  • Improved readiness for reintegration into the regime
  • Greater access to purposeful activity and support during periods of restricted movement
Overall Outcome

The combined impact of conflict resolution, Peacekeeper development and sustained engagement in high‑risk settings resulted in greater stability across wings, improved regime access, and meaningful behaviour change among individuals presenting the highest levels of risk. The service supported long‑term progression rather than short‑term compliance and embedded a preventative approach to violence reduction within the establishment.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S FEEDBACK

“Before, if something happened, I would just react. This helped me stop and think about what comes after.”

— Young person, conflict resolution support

“Being a Peacekeeper has given me something positive to focus on.”

— Young person, Peacekeeper programme

“When I was in the CSU, they kept coming back even when I wasn’t in a good place.”

— Young person, CSU engagement

“Doing work in my cell helped calm me down instead of getting more angry.”

— Young person, segregated support

“I didn’t feel safe at first, but having support helped me start engaging again.”

— Young people, self‑isolation support

Case studies documented throughout the reporting period demonstrate consistent themes in the needs presented by young adults at HMPYOI Swinfen Hall and the impact of Kinetic Youth’s intervention. These themes reflect patterns of behaviour, risk and progression, rather than isolated examples

1. From Escalation to Reflection

Many case studies began with young adults involved in:

  • Violent or threatening incidents
  • Weapon‑related behaviour
  • Escalating conflict with peers or staff

Through conflict resolution and 1:1 support, individuals moved from impulsive, emotionally driven responses toward reflection, accountability and considered decision‑making. Case studies consistently show young people recognising the consequences of their actions and identifying alternative ways to respond to conflict.

Theme outcome:

Reduced escalation, fewer repeat incidents, and improved emotional regulation.

2. Managing Conflict and Non‑Associations

A recurring theme across case studies was the impact of unresolved conflict and non‑associations on regime access. Many individuals initially:

  • Refused education or work
  • Self‑isolated due to fear of retaliation
  • Experienced repeated wing moves or segregation

Kinetic’s conflict‑resolution work supported individuals to better understand risk, manage tension safely, and make informed decisions. In several cases, non‑associations were removed or safely managed, enabling reintegration.

Theme outcome:

Safer wing placements and restored access to regime activities.

3. Reintegration Following Segregation or Isolation
  • Numerous case studies focused on young adults progressing from:
  • Care and Separation Unit (CSU)
  • Self‑isolation or restricted regime

Kinetic provided consistent engagement during segregation, supporting reflection, emotional regulation and planning for return to wing. Case studies show individuals reintegrating successfully and maintaining stability rather than cycling back into segregation.

Theme outcome:

Smother, more sustainable reintegration into wing life.

4. Development of Pro‑Social Identity

Through multiple cases, young adults progressed from being viewed as high‑risk or disruptive to being recognised for positive contribution. This included:

  • Taking responsibility for behaviour
  • Supporting peers informally
  • Progressing into Peacekeeper or Transition Rep roles
  • Engaging in wing employment or orderly roles

The Peacekeeper programme supported the development of positive identity, purpose and status, which was sustained even when individuals stepped down from formal roles.

Theme outcome:

Lasting behaviour changes driven by identity and responsibility, not compliance.

5. Increased Participation and Engagement

Case studies frequently demonstrate a shift from disengagement to participation. Individuals who had:

  • Refused education or activities
  • Withdrawn following incidents
  • Disengaged from staff and services

Later re‑engaged following trust‑building, conflict resolution and supportive challenge. Engagement was often gradual but sustained, showing increased confidence around movement, interaction and participation.

Theme outcome:

Meaningful reengagement with education, work and support services.

6. Impact of Consistent Relationships

Case studies frequently demonstrate a shift from disengagement to participation. Individuals who had:

  • Refused education or activities
  • Withdrawn following incidents
  • Disengaged from staff and services

Later re‑engaged following trust‑building, conflict resolution and supportive challenge. Engagement was often gradual but sustained, showing increased confidence around movement, interaction and participation.

Theme outcome:

Meaningful reengagement with education, work and support services.

Summary

Taken together, the case studies illustrate that Kinetic Youth’s impact at Swinfen Hall lies not in isolated moments of intervention, but in sustained journeys of change. Common themes include movement away from violence, improved management of conflict, safer reintegration into regime, strengthened pro‑social identity, and increased participation in purposeful activity.

These themes demonstrate how relationship‑based, trauma‑informed practice can deliver long‑term behavioural change within a challenging custodial environment.

WHAT DIFFERENCE THIS WORK MAKES


Kinetic Youth’s work at HMPYOI Swinfen Hall makes a measurable difference by reducing violence, increasing stability and supporting young adults to engage safely with the regime. Through conflict resolution, Peacekeeper development and sustained engagement with those in segregation or self‑isolation, Kinetic supports individuals who present the highest risk to move away from escalation, repeated segregation and disengagement.

The service helps young people manage conflict safely, address non‑associations, and rebuild confidence to participate in education, employment and wing life. By maintaining consistent contact during challenging periods and supporting reintegration rather than avoidance, Kinetic contributes to sustained behaviour change rather than short‑term compliance. This work benefits not only the individuals supported, but also wing stability, staff confidence and the overall safety of the establishment.

This report sets out what Kinetic Youth delivered, how the work was carried out, and the difference it made to safety, stability and engagement at Swinfen Hall.