Since 1997 Gary Brown has been in and out of prison seven times. Each time he was released the only familiar face that would greet him outside the prison walls was his methamphetamine addiction.

“I had no support around me,” he said. “I spent eight years in there and got institutionalised.”

But as he walked out of prison in 2010 it would be for the last time.  He linked up with Samaritans’ post-release program Friendship House and spent four weeks receiving intensive support from the service – but it was more than just accommodation.

“[Prison] is part of my past, but I didn’t want it to be part of my future,” he said.

Samaritans CEO Peter Gardiner said Friendship house provides short term accomodation while clients are found more permanent homes, employment and human connection. It’s a holistic, life-style spanning program for those without support networks. 

“It’s about giving people a connection back into the community, where they can feel valued and participate,” Mr Gardiner said.

“A job and shelter are critical components [to reduce recidivism] along with connections with people… It gives them a sense of hope, really.”

Mr Brown said the program helped him find work and gave him a sense of purpose.

He didn’t kick the drugs until 2013 but, when he did, it was because of the contacts he made through Friendship House.

“I just got sick of that life, I wanted to break free,” he said.

“[The program] helps people get out when they have no one. It’s like a second family, the friendships help you.”

In 2014 he ran his first marathon, he now volunteers at Friendship House to help others break the cycle of imprisonment.

Mr Gardiner said the data collected around the program showed about one in 10 of the people who went through Friendship House went back to prison. The average for those outside the program was closer to one in two. Despite this, the program recieves no government funding – hence the fundraiser.

“We’d see it as a very cost effective investment for government as it reduces the recidivism rate,” Mr Gardiner said.

It costs Australian tax-payers more than $90,000 to keep one prisoner locked up for one year. 

“Some of this cost wouldn’t be required if people could successfully be re-integrated into the community,” Mr Gardiner said.

Mr Gardiner said the proposed expansion of Cessnock prison meant there is more need than ever for the program.

Lock Up and Sleep In will feature dinner, wine and entertainment including a tour of the gaol. Purchase tickets at mycause.com.au/events/lockupsleepin