About
Making it Out works with people who are moving on from prison, homelessness and addiction. We help people to change their lives through regular engagement in constructive and creative activity.
Alongisde this, MIO operates as a design and manufacture business, providing affordable design and fabrication solutions for local businesses and employment opportunities for our participants. The charity takes on a wide range of commissions that range from public artworks and installations through to furniture production and building renovation.
MIO offers training opportunities within a diverse range of art, craft and fabrication disciplines MIO also offer resources and guidance to support participants into employment and further training.
The charity specialises in meeting individuals ‘where they are at’ and focuses on what individuals need to make realistic progression based on their circumstance and abilities. To make this possible MIO support participants holistically, providing advice & signposting within housing, benefits, addiction and emotional well-being.
We are committed to the the principle that creative, practical activity has a positive effect on an individual’s confidence, self esteem and capacity to change.
Day to day interaction with others in this setting can provide motivation and momentum to leave negative behaviours behind and start to move forward.
We also exist to bring together the local arts, craft and design communities and create mutually beneficial opportunities for training, collaboration and employment opportunities.
As an organisation we are aware that the problems that people leaving prison face are multifaceted, unique, and difficult to overcome. For this reason, we see engaging with us as a starting point and offer the support, mentoring and signposting that individuals need to change their circumstances and begin to take control of their own lives.
"Making it Out helps me to manage stress and periods of depression"
MIO Participant
PARTNERS FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS
We have made great strides due to support and cooperation of a growing network of like-minded organisations and some generous benefactors. The enthusiasm for what we're doing is really encouraging and we have appreciate support from across the UK and as far away as Canada.
If your organisation is interested in working with us in any way please don't hesitate to get in touch.
MEET THE TEAM
Staff
Mark Whaley
Founder | CEO
Mark established MiO after teaching art and design in HMP Ford and HMP Lewes. Frustrated by seeing the same faces returning to prison he strived to create an organisation that offered a more collaborative type of support based within an enjoyable & creative work environment.
Evan Reinhold
Art, Design and Fabrication facilitator
Evan joined MIO after working for a number of local fabricators and with a strong industry background. His broad understanding of design and has a passion for passing on some of this knowledge through MIO's various fabrication and manufacture projects.
Lucy Grubb
Founder | Fundraising Manager
Lucy has a wealth of experience from her time in social work and a wide variety of educational settings. She brings a sense of calm and composure to an often slightly manic workshop. Never too busy to listen to everyone's problems and more than likely find a solution to them as well!
Jason Mason
Workshop supervisor & IJ Facilitator
Jay started with MiO as a participant and brings a wealth of experience of carpentry, heritage renovation and the wider building trades. Jay understands MiO inherently through his own journey through recovery and out of the other side.
Trustees
Stephen Murray
Chair of Trustees
Stephen brings a level of financial acumen to MiO. He has previously worked within auditing across a number of different organisations that include local government, international aid and is currently with The University of Brighton. In a voluntary capacity Stephen has also worked with the East Sussex Credit Union and the Institute for Youth Work.
Stephen Fradley
Trustee
Steve has joined MiO after working with us during his time as the governor of HMP Ford. He has an adventurous career that includes time in the armed forces and a number of roles across the prison estate. Steve has a progressive attitude towards rehabilitation and helping those leaving prison make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Katherine Perrin
Trustee
Kate is also new to the MiO team and comes to the role with an enthusiasm to help MiO grow. Kate works within IT system management for a number of large organisations and from these roles brings to MiO experience of contract management and delivery.
Helen Schofield
Trustee
Helen brings experience from a wide variety of roles within the criminal justice sector. Initially training as a probation officer Helen went on to work for NAPO before helping to establish the Community Justice National Training Organisation. After this Helen also work for the police service managing training development and is currently the chair of the Probation Institute.
Kate Poulton
Trustee
Kate is also new to the MiO team and comes to the role with an enthusiasm to help MiO grow. Kate works within IT system management for a number of large organisations and from these roles brings to MiO experience of contract management and delivery.
Zöe Clark
Trustee
Kate is also new to the MiO team and comes to the role with an enthusiasm to help MiO grow. Kate works within IT system management for a number of large organisations and from these roles brings to MiO experience of contract management and delivery.