Rich from Clean Slate Solutions

A visit to Teesside revealed something powerful: when people are given hope, support and a second chance, their future can look very different from their past.

We recently travelled to meet the team at Clean Slate Solutions, an extraordinary project supporting people with convictions as they take steps towards sustainable employment and a new chapter in life.

As we walked through the doors, we were welcomed by Paul, who shared his passion for the work happening there. It quickly became clear that Clean Slate Solutions is much more than a charity; it is a community of people committed to walking alongside individuals as they rebuild their lives.

The team provides practical support, encouragement and a listening ear, helping people recognise that their past mistakes do not have to define their future.

A second chance with practical support

During our visit, we met Kevin, who arrived with a huge smile and a determination to move forward.

Kevin shared openly about his time in prison and his ambition to start his own business. Clean Slate Solutions came alongside him with encouragement and practical help, and thanks to the generosity of Acts 435 donors, they were able to provide the tools he needed to get started.

With a renewed sense of purpose and the equipment to make his plans possible, Kevin launched his business. Today, he is thriving and shared that he is now fully booked with jobs for the month ahead.

For Kevin, the support was more than just a donation. It was a reminder that people believed in him and wanted to see him succeed.

The power of showing someone they matter

Richard Brice, CEO of Clean Slate Solutions, explained the incredible impact Acts 435 donors have had over recent years, with more than £40,000 of support given towards the individual requests of their candidates.

He shared how meaningful this support is for people who are often facing significant barriers as they leave prison and try to rebuild relationships and find their place in society.

“Often people’s own families don’t want to support them,” Richard explained. “They are maybe a bit wary of them when they come out of prison.”

That is why the kindness of Acts 435 donors makes such a difference. Knowing that someone, somewhere in the country, cares enough to help provide even a basic necessity can bring hope at exactly the moment it is needed most.

“It’s unreal for the people we’re supporting that someone is willing to give them something for nothing,” Richard said.

Hope for a different future

Clean Slate Solutions demonstrates the incredible impact of combining compassion with practical action. A small act of generosity can help someone take a vital step towards independence, confidence and a new future.

Through Acts 435, donors are standing alongside people like Kevin, showing them they are valued, believed in and not defined by their past.

Acts 435 is proud to partner with charities like Clean Slate Solutions, who know the people they support and understand their specific needs. Together, we can provide practical help that brings hope at the right time. If your church or charity is supporting people facing hardship or needing a helping hand, we’d love you to consider partnering with Acts 435.

Find out more here: www.acts435.org.uk/partner

🎥 Watch the Clean Slate Solutions video here: