Episodes

  • Reflections, Goals and Growth

    Reflections, Goals and Growth
    Dec 26 2024
    In this episode, Zak and Jules explore what it’s like adjusting to life after prison, reflecting on their personal journeys, and the superstitions many people have when leaving. They hear from a listener who opens up about his entrepreneurial journey post-release and discuss the often-overlooked experiences of family and friends during this transition. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful organisations: Tomorrow’s Women (Wirral/Chester) – A women-only charity that provides support for women leaving prison or those at risk of offending. Services include mental health support, skills training, and a safe space for women to develop personally and professionally. https://www.tomorrowswomen.org.uk/ Apex Scotland – Provides services to reduce reoffending and support reintegration, including employment and training programs for early release individuals. https://www.apexscotland.org.uk Switchback (London) – supports young men aged 18-30 leaving prison by providing intensive, one-to-one mentorship and practical support to help them build stable and fulfilling lives. Their holistic approach focuses on personal growth, securing employment, and avoiding reoffending. http://www.switchback.org.uk Breakthrough (London) – Breakthrough Social Enterprise is a pioneering organisation dedicated to empowering individuals from underserved and marginalised backgrounds, including those leaving prison and with criminal records, to transform their lives through education, skills development, and employment opportunities. https://www.wearebreakthrough.org/ Working Chance (London) – They help women secure sustainable employment by offering workshops, career coaching, and job placement services, aiming to challenge stigma and foster inclusion. http://www.workingchance.org Partners of Prisoners (POPS) (North West) – POPS supports prisoners' families, recognizing the challenges they face during imprisonment and release. They offer family support, resettlement programs, and advocacy for individuals leaving prison, ensuring they and their families have the resources to reintegrate smoothly. http://www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk St. Giles Trust (Nationwide) – Provides individualised support for people leaving prison, focusing on practical needs like housing, employment, and managing financial issues. They have specialized services for those who may need extra guidance and stability after early release. https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk The Forward Trust (England) – Provides support for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. They offer services that include counseling and rehabilitation for people in and out of prison, particularly beneficial for those on early release who may be navigating complex mental health needs. https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk The Wallich (Cardiff) – A homelessness and resettlement charity that provides support to people exiting the prison system, with emphasis on stable housing and community reintegration. https://thewallich.com Extern (Northern Ireland) – Supports people with criminal records, offering mental health, addiction, and resettlement services, focusing on helping early release individuals adjust. https://www.extern.org Contact us: If anything you’ve heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you’d just like to get in touch, please contact us. 💬 Socials: @afterprisonpod on Instagram and X, @lifeafterprison on TikTok 📧 Email: podcasts@prison.radio ✉️ Write: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF 🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/
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    29 mins
  • Life After Prison The Spark: Beatrice

    Life After Prison The Spark: Beatrice
    Dec 19 2024
    In this episode Jules chats to Beatrice, who has very recently been released from prison. As an aspiring prison reformer, Beatrice talks about using her experience for good. Together, Beatrice and Jules discuss the mix of emotions that come with release, the current state of the prison system and Beatrice’s hopes for the future. Useful links and organisations: Beatrice’s Spectator Article https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-womens-prisons-dont-work/ Prison Reform Trust https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk/ The Longford Trust https://www.longfordtrust.org/ Open University https://www.open.ac.uk/ Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they continue to support Life After Prison. So it would be a massive help if you could fill out this form and let us know what you think. Thank you so much! Contact us: If anything you’ve heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you’d just like to get in touch, please contact us. 💬 DM us: @afterprisonpod on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok 📧 Email us: podcasts@prison.radio ✉️ Write to us: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF 🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/ 📢 Complete our survey: https://forms.gle/1bi9vWKqBf2QSCTT6
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    32 mins
  • How Prison Sparked a Mission to Prevent Youth Offending | Joel Dunn

    How Prison Sparked a Mission to Prevent Youth Offending | Joel Dunn
    Dec 12 2024
    In this episode, Joel Dunn, founder of The Paradigm Project, shares his journey from prison to founding a charity focused on preventing youth involvement in the criminal justice system. He talks about his background, how it all started with a mentoring course in prison, and the support network that helped him rebuild his life. Joel also discusses the importance of understanding his own story, why he chose to work in prevention, and the impact of The Paradigm Project’s work. Plus, he shares insights from his research into the school-to-prison pipeline. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they continue to support Life After Prison. So it would be a massive help if you could fill out this form and let us know what you think. Thank you so much! Useful organisations: Mind (UK-wide) – Provides support and advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. https://www.mind.org.uk/ Helpline: 0300 123 3393 Samaritans (UK-wide) – A 24/7 helpline for anyone feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or suicidal. https://www.samaritans.org/ Helpline: 116 123 SurvivorsUK (UK-wide) – Provides support for men and non-binary people who have experienced sexual abuse. https://www.survivorsuk.org/ Helpline: 020 3322 1860 (Text and WhatsApp support available) CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) (UK-wide) – Focuses on preventing male suicide but supports anyone in crisis. https://www.thecalmzone.net/ Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 Shout (UK-wide) – A free, 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis, providing immediate support. https://giveusashout.org/ Text: 85258 Spark2Life (London) – Offers mentoring and workshops to help young people and adults make positive life changes, often led by individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system. https://www.spark2life.co.uk/ Exit Foundation (London) – Supports individuals looking to leave gang involvement and criminal lifestyles by providing mentoring, education, and employment opportunities. https://www.exitfoundation.org.uk/ The Paradigm Project (National) – Tackles social inequality for young people with a focus on prevention and addressing the school-to-prison pipeline. https://paradigmproject.co.uk/ Change for Good (London) – aim to empower those leaving prison and resettling in London to transform their lives through mentoring, advocacy, and peer support. https://www.changeforgood.info/ Key4Life (Somerset and London) – Helps young men at risk of offending or who have been in prison to transform their lives through mentoring, employability programs, and emotional resilience training. Their innovative approach includes music, sports, and equine therapy to build confidence and create opportunities for lasting change. https://key4life.org.uk/ Step Together (Bristol and Bath) – Works with offenders and ex-offenders, providing mentoring and volunteer placements to rebuild their confidence and skills. https://www.step-together.org.uk/ Sacro (Scotland-wide) – Offers tailored support to prevent reoffending, including mentoring and housing advice. https://www.sacro.org.uk/ Northern Ireland Alternatives (Belfast and Derry/Londonderry) – A restorative justice organization that supports individuals reintegrating into the community. https://www.alternativesrj.co.uk/ Contact us: If anything you’ve heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you’d just like to get in touch, please contact us. 💬 Socials: @afterprisonpod on Instagram and X, @lifeafterprison on TikTok 📧 Email: podcasts@prison.radio ✉️ Write: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF 🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/
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    48 mins
  • Life After Prison The Spark: Barbara

    Life After Prison The Spark: Barbara
    Dec 5 2024
    In this episode, Jules sits down with social impact entrepreneur, Barbara Burton. While awaiting trail, Barbara wrote a sixteen-page business plan, which became her first social enterprise during her twelve month prison sentence. Barbara talks about becoming an entrepreneur, the art of pivoting and being named as one of the BBC’s 100 Women of the World. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they continue to support Life After Prison. So it would be a massive help if you could fill out this form and let us know what you think. Thank you so much! Useful organisations: Evolve Denim https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraburtonevolvedenim/?originalSubdomain=uk Working Chance https://workingchance.org/ Contact us: If anything you’ve heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you’d just like to get in touch, please contact us. 💬 DM us: @afterprisonpod on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok 📧 Email us: podcasts@prison.radio ✉️ Write to us: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF 🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/ 📢 Complete our survey: https://forms.gle/1bi9vWKqBf2QSCTT6
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    31 mins
  • Released From Prison Early?

    Released From Prison Early?
    Nov 28 2024
    In this episode of Life After Prison, Zak and Jules discuss the SDS40 scheme which facilitates early release from prison. They reflect on their own experiences and on the impact of families and friends of those being released. They discuss whether this scheme is a long-term solution and if not, what needs to change. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they continue to support Life After Prison. So it would be a massive help if you could fill out this form and let us know what you think. Thank you so much! This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful organisations: Switchback (London) – supports young men aged 18-30 leaving prison by providing intensive, one-to-one mentorship and practical support to help them build stable and fulfilling lives. Their holistic approach focuses on personal growth, securing employment, and avoiding reoffending. http://www.switchback.org.uk Breakthrough (London) – Breakthrough Social Enterprise is a pioneering organisation dedicated to empowering individuals from underserved and marginalised backgrounds, including those leaving prison and with criminal records, to transform their lives through education, skills development, and employment opportunities. https://www.wearebreakthrough.org/ Working Chance (London) – They help women secure sustainable employment by offering workshops, career coaching, and job placement services, aiming to challenge stigma and foster inclusion. http://www.workingchance.org Partners of Prisoners (POPS) (North West) – POPS supports prisoners' families, recognizing the challenges they face during imprisonment and release. They offer family support, resettlement programs, and advocacy for individuals leaving prison, ensuring they and their families have the resources to reintegrate smoothly. http://www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk St. Giles Trust (Nationwide) – Provides individualised support for people leaving prison, focusing on practical needs like housing, employment, and managing financial issues. They have specialized services for those who may need extra guidance and stability after early release. https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk The Forward Trust (England) – Provides support for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. They offer services that include counseling and rehabilitation for people in and out of prison, particularly beneficial for those on early release who may be navigating complex mental health needs. https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk The Wallich (Cardiff) – A homelessness and resettlement charity that provides support to people exiting the prison system, with emphasis on stable housing and community reintegration. https://thewallich.com Apex Scotland – Provides services to reduce reoffending and support reintegration, including employment and training programs for early release individuals. https://www.apexscotland.org.uk Extern (Northern Ireland) – Supports people with criminal records, offering mental health, addiction, and resettlement services, focusing on helping early release individuals adjust. https://www.extern.org Contact us: If anything you’ve heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you’d just like to get in touch, please contact us. 💬 Socials: @afterprisonpod on Instagram and X, @lifeafterprison on TikTok 📧 Email: podcasts@prison.radio ✉️ Write: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF 🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/
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    31 mins
  • Life After Prison The Spark: Catherine

    Life After Prison The Spark: Catherine
    Nov 21 2024
    In this episode Jules speaks to Catherine, a qualified personal trainer at Fitness Rush. Catherine and Jules share a love of fitness – but it’s something Catherine only recently discovered on her sobriety journey. After living through cycles of addiction, homelessness and criminality, Catherine talks about finding stability, being nominated for a National Fitness Award, and using her past as her purpose. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they continue to support Life After Prison. So it would be a massive help if you could fill out this form and let us know what you think. Thank you so much! Useful organisations: Change Grow Live https://www.changegrowlive.org/ Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ Fitness Rush https://www.fitnessrush.co.uk/ Cambridge Cyrenians https://cambridgecyrenians.org.uk/ Winter Comfort https://wintercomfort.org.uk/ Contact us: If anything you’ve heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you’d just like to get in touch, please contact us. 💬 DM us: @afterprisonpod on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok 📧 Email us: podcasts@prison.radio ✉️ Write to us: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF 🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/ 📢 Complete our survey: https://forms.gle/1bi9vWKqBf2QSCTT6
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    31 mins
  • Why the Justice System Needs to Change for Women | Kate Fraser

    Why the Justice System Needs to Change for Women | Kate Fraser
    Nov 14 2024
    In this episode of Life After Prison, we’re joined by Kate Fraser, Head of Practice at Women In Prison, an organisation dedicated to supporting women impacted by the criminal justice system. Kate shares her journey through the prison system and into this work, exploring the unique challenges women face within the system. Kate also shares her vision of what real, systemic change could look like for women in the justice system and why inclusive, trauma-informed approaches are key to creating lasting solutions. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they continue to support Life After Prison. So it would be a massive help if you could fill out this form and let us know what you think. Thank you so much! Useful organisations: Women In Prison – Advocacy, housing support, and community programs for women affected by the justice system. Crisis – Provides support and resources to end homelessness, including housing, education, and employment support. Shelter – Offers housing advice and support to those facing homelessness, helping with housing rights and advocacy. Birth Companions – Supports pregnant women and mothers in prison and in the community, focusing on the well-being of mothers and their babies. Hibiscus Initiatives – Works with women in the justice system, particularly those from migrant and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds, offering support with resettlement and social integration. Clean Break – A theatre company that works with women who have lived experience in the criminal justice system, offering training and community through arts and theatre. Anawim – Provides holistic support for women involved with the criminal justice system, helping with housing, mental health, and employment. Together Women – Focuses on reducing female reoffending by providing tailored support services for women in the justice system across Northern England. Women’s Aid – Local support resources for women affected by domestic abuse. Find local support via Women’s Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/womens-aid-directory/ The Howard League for Penal Reform – Working for less crime, safer communities, and fewer people in prison, with a focus on women and young people. Agenda – An alliance for women and girls at risk, advocating for systemic changes and offering resources on trauma and mental health. Advance Charity – Provides support for women facing domestic abuse and those in contact with the criminal justice system. Contact us: If anything you’ve heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you’d just like to get in touch, please contact us. 💬 Socials: @afterprisonpod on Instagram and X, @lifeafterprison on TikTok 📧 Email: podcasts@prison.radio ✉️ Write: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF 🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/
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    47 mins
  • Life After Prison The Spark: Kirsty B

    Life After Prison The Spark: Kirsty B
    Oct 24 2024

    In this episode, Jules is in conversation with Kirsty. Kirsty had a tough childhood, and was exposed to drugs and violence from an early age, she was also let down by the people who were supposed to care for her. She went on to battle with her own addictions, and while spending time in prison found a path to recovery. Kirsty now spends her time helping other people coming out of prison to do the same.

    Useful organisations:

    • Ingeus https://ingeus.co.uk/
    • The Turnaround Project- Women's Work https://www.womens-work.org.uk/projects/the-turn-around-project/

    Contact us:

    If anything you’ve heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you’d just like to get in touch, please contact us.

    💬 DM us: @afterprisonpod on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok

    📧 Email us: podcasts@prison.radio

    ✉️ Write to us: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF

    🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/
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    32 mins