Reaching the lost,
the broken, and the alone.
Steps to Freedom is a community organisation founded by Allen Langham — built on the belief that the freedom he found is available to anyone. Working with adult prisoners, young offenders, and people in recovery, Steps to Freedom walks alongside people on the road from darkness to purpose.
Experience growth and transformationBuilt from the ground up
Steps to Freedom began the way most things worth doing begin — with one person, little money, and a conviction that something had to be done. Allen started by pounding the streets, handing out sleeping bags and essential items to those bound in addiction and homelessness.
Two years in, he hit a wall. He crashed and burned. The weight of doing it alone — being a one-man ranger for too long — brought him to breaking point. But that breaking point became a turning point.
The goal had always been teams and collaboration. Allen hired a personal assistant, built a proper team, and made the difficult decision to cut everything non-essential — focusing solely on what Steps to Freedom does best: offender management programmes and primary prevention interventions.
What followed was a decade of growth, partnership, and impact that nobody had predicted.
Partners & collaborations
Steps to Freedom doesn't work in isolation. Real change requires collaboration across the whole system.
South Yorkshire Police & Violence Reduction Unit
Allen partnered with South Yorkshire Police and joined the Violence Reduction Unit — a cross-sector forum collaborating with local and national police departments, crime commissioners, and third sector organisations.
Ministry of Justice
Allen consulted to the Ministry of Justice for five years, bringing frontline experience and lived knowledge of the criminal justice system to national policy conversations.
Yorkshire Prison Group — Safer Custody Initiative
As a key member of the Safer Custody Initiative, Allen worked directly with the Yorkshire Prison Group to improve outcomes and safety for those inside the prison system.
Sheffield University
Four years of research participation at Sheffield University — leading projects with third-year Criminology students, bringing real-world programme delivery into an academic research context.
Social Services & Youth Offending Teams
Working directly with social services and youth offending teams — delivering the programme across schools, youth offending services, prisons, and community centres.
White Ribbon
Allen became a White Ribbon Ambassador — participating in efforts to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, and delivering programmes specifically focused on reducing violence to women.
"I got it wrong and made mistakes that — with hindsight — taught me to grow. The goal was always teams and collaboration."
Allen Langham · Founder, Steps to Freedom
Who Steps to Freedom serves
Two structured pathways — both pointing toward the same destination.
Adult Prisoners
A structured pathway beginning inside prison with a 6-week course, followed by 12 months of mentorship and three stages of supported reintegration — covering housing, family restoration, employment, drug and alcohol treatment, and CBT counselling.
Young Offenders
A 6-week youth intervention programme followed by 12 months of mentorship — supporting young people both in custody and in the community, with pathways to full-time education, apprenticeships, and foster or adoption support.
People in Recovery
For those battling addiction who need more than a detox — Steps to Freedom provides mentoring, community connection, and ongoing support that addresses the roots of addiction, not just the symptoms.
The pathway to freedom
Two programmes — built around the same conviction that no one is beyond transformation.
Adult Prisoners Pathway
Research · Course · Mentorship · Stages 1–3
Research & Referral
Identifying those ready to engage with the programme.
6-Week Prison Course
The Steps to Freedom Prisons Project — delivered inside the prison itself.
12 Months Mentorship
One-to-one support through the transition out of custody.
Stage 1 — Sanctuary
12 months fully supported: housing, family restoration, education, employment, drug & alcohol treatment, CBT counselling.
Stage 2 — HMO
Part-supported living with peer mentors, family ties, and a pathway to full employment.
Stage 3 — Independence
Own home. Job. Family.
Young Offenders Pathway
Research · Intervention · Mentorship · Community
Research & Referral
Identifying young people in custody or at risk in the community.
6-Week Youth Intervention
Delivered in custody or community settings.
12 Months Mentorship & Interventions
Sustained support through both custody and community — addressing behaviour, identity, and purpose.
Community Pathway
Full-time school, apprenticeships, and community integration.
Foster / Adoption Support
For young people who need a stable family environment as part of their journey.
Get involved
Steps to Freedom needs people who believe in its mission. Here's how you can play a part.
Refer Someone
Do you know someone leaving prison, at risk, or battling addiction who could benefit from Steps to Freedom? Get in touch and we'll start a conversation about how we can help.
Make a Referral →Partner With Us
Are you a church, organisation, prison, school, police force, or business that shares our values? We're always looking for partners who want to see real transformation happen in their community.
Explore Partnership →Volunteer
Steps to Freedom is built on people who give their time and skills. Whether you can mentor, counsel, or simply show up consistently — we'd love to hear from you.
Get Involved →Take the first step
Whether you want to refer someone, partner with Steps to Freedom, or find out more about the work — the first step is always a conversation.