Life After Prison

Zak and Jules sit down with Sobanan Narenthiran, CEO of Breakthrough, to discuss his journey from dreaming of being a doctor to navigating life after prison. Sobanan shares how his sentence impacted his family and why they’re his biggest motivation to stay out, as well as reflecting on his unexpected path to becoming a CEO, his plans for the future, and the changes he hopes to see in the criminal justice system. 

This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube.

Breakthrough are currently recruiting for their next bootcamp, more info can be found here: https://wearebreakthrough.co.uk/skills-bootcamp/ 

Useful organisations: 

StandOut (London and Manchester) – Provides tailored support and mentoring for people leaving prison, helping them build confidence, secure employment, and successfully reintegrate into society. 

https://www.standout.org.uk 

Breakthrough (UK-Wide) – 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://wearebreakthrough.co.uk/  

ChatGPT (Online) – A tool for accessible knowledge and support, assisting people with research, learning, and personal development. 

https://chat.openai.com/  

Clinks Directory (UK-Wide) – A comprehensive online resource listing organisations working to support people in the criminal justice system and their families. It provides details on services, including mentoring, rehabilitation, housing, and employment support. 

https://www.clinks.org/directory  

Criminal Justice Alliance (UK-Wide) – A network of organisations focused on promoting fairer criminal justice policies and practices. 

https://www.criminaljusticealliance.org 

Catch22 Digital Skills Academy (UK-Wide) – Provides training programs to help excluded groups access digital and tech-enabled roles. 

https://www.catch-22.org.uk/find-services/digital-skills-academy/

CodeAtt (UK-Wide) – Focuses on equipping individuals, including ex-offenders, with coding skills to transition into the tech industry. 

Spark2Life (London) – A rehabilitation and mentoring organisation empowering young people at risk of offending or reoffending. 

https://www.spark2life.co.uk 

St. Giles Trust (UK-Wide) – Helps people facing severe disadvantage transition from prison with support in employment, housing, and rehabilitation. 

https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk 

Unlock (UK-Wide) – Supports people with convictions to overcome barriers, particularly in employment and financial services. 

https://www.unlock.org.uk 

The Paradigm Project (UK-Wide) – Tackles social inequality for young people through prevention-focused creative arts programs. 

https://paradigmproject.co.uk/  

Prison Reform Trust (UK-Wide) – Campaigns for fairer, more effective penal systems and supports people in prison. 

 https://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk 

Bounce Back (London) – Trains individuals in custody and after release to secure sustainable employment. 

https://www.bouncebackproject.com 

Clean Slate (UK-Wide) – Helps individuals rebuild their lives with opportunities in employment and digital inclusion. 

https://www.cleanslateltd.co.uk 

Switch Up (Nottingham) – Provides mentoring and sports programs to help young people and adults involved in or at risk of crime. 

https://www.switch-up.org.uk 

Framework (Nottingham and surrounding areas) – Prevents homelessness, offering support to people leaving prison who are at risk of housing instability. 

https://www.frameworkha.org 

The Growth Company (Greater Manchester) – Delivers training and employment services, including programs for people with convictions. 

https://www.growthco.uk 

Community Led Initiatives (North West) – Provides mentoring and recovery-focused programs to help individuals leaving prison reintegrate into society. 

https://www.communityled.org.uk 

Second Step (Bristol and South West) – A mental health and housing charity supporting individuals leaving the justice system. 

https://www.second-step.co.uk 

The Nelson Trust (Gloucestershire) – Offers trauma-informed recovery and reintegration support for people in the criminal justice system. 

https://www.nelsontrust.com 

Venture Trust (Scotland) – Provides personal development programs and employability training for people involved in the justice system. 

https://www.venturetrust.org.uk 

Turning Point Scotland (Nationwide in Scotland) – Tailored support services for individuals leaving custody, including housing and addiction recovery. 

https://www.turningpointscotland.com 

The Wallich (Wales-wide) – Provides housing and resettlement support for people leaving prison, helping to prevent reoffending. 

https://www.thewallich.com 

Northcoders (Manchester and Leeds) – A coding bootcamp helping individuals transition into tech careers, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

https://www.northcoders.com 

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: [email protected]  

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

🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Jules is joined by audio producer, Faye. While in prison, Faye found herself presenting regular shows on National Prison Radio. Now, together with Jules, she continues this work on the outside with the Prison Radio Association. Faye talks about her passion for fitness, being a parent in prison and her work on the Secret Life of Prisons podcast. 

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: 

Prison Reform Trust https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk/ 

The Secret Life of Prisons Podcast https://secretlifeofprisons.libsyn.com/  

Shannon Trust https://www.shannontrust.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: [email protected] 

✉️ 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]  

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

🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] 

✉️ 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  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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: [email protected]  

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

🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] 

✉️ 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   

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 

Have your say: There is a parliamentary inquiry into prison culture running until the 10th January. The inquiry wants to hear from people with direct experiences of prison, both as prisoners and staff. Your experiences and opinions are valuable and could help improve the situation for people in prison. Click this link to take part

 https://committees.parliament.uk/work/8565/prison-culture-governance-leadership-and-staffing/

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: [email protected]  

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

🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] 

✉️ 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  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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: [email protected]  

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

🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]

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

🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.