A team of 5 Weavers’ cyclists has set off on an ambitious 380-mile ride from HMP Low Newton in County Durham to London, visiting ten women’s prisons along the way.

The ride forms part of the Company’s 900th anniversary celebrations and aims to raise awareness of NEST (Nurture, Empower, Support, Thrive), the Weavers’ pioneering programme to prevent vulnerable young women from entering or becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system through early, trauma-informed support.

Over six days, the riders will visit prisons across England, meeting people working within the women’s justice sector and drawing attention to the need for earlier intervention to address the underlying causes that can lead to custody. The journey also highlights the wider issues surrounding female imprisonment and the importance of prevention rather than crisis response.

The challenge has already attracted media coverage, including an article in The Northern Echo reporting on the riders’ departure from HMP Low Newton.

The Weavers’ Company wishes the team every success on their journey and thanks everyone who is supporting this important initiative.

Follow the ride

We’ll be sharing regular updates, photographs and stories from the road throughout the week on our social media channels.

Please follow the journey, and help us spread the word about NEST and the importance of preventing vulnerable young women from entering the criminal justice system by liking and sharing our posts.