Life After Prison

This week in the Life After Prison studio Zak & Jules are joined by Tuan, co-founder of Gymbusy. Before launching his fitness brand, Tuan was on the roads and ended up serving two prison sentences. But after his release, he found a new path—building discipline, strength, and purpose through fitness. Teaming up with his cousin, he co-founded Gymbusy, a brand that not only transformed his life but is now inspiring others to do the same.

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

Useful organisations: 

Gymbusy (London) – https://gymbusy.co.uk/

Empire Fighting Chance (Bristol) – Uses boxing and mentoring to support young people at risk of offending or reoffending. 

http://www.empirefightingchance.org/ 

3Pillars Project: 

This sports-based mentoring charity helps ex-offenders build a life away from crime and make a positive contribution to society. They offer personal training qualifications to ex-offenders on release through 3Pillars Fitness, with potential employment opportunities with 3Pillars Wellbeing. 

Unlocked Graduates (London & Manchester) – A prison rehabilitation initiative training graduates to work in the criminal justice system and support positive change. 

http://www.unlockedgrads.org.uk/ 

In2Change (South Yorkshire) - Overview: In2Change collaborates with prisoners to design programs targeting disadvantaged families, ex-offenders, and young people. Their initiatives focus on education, crime awareness, and rehabilitation, aiming to make a positive societal impact. 

https://www.in2change.org/ 

Switch Up (Nottingham) - Switch Up offers individual support to young people affected by crime and violence. Through sport, mentoring, and personal development, they aim to improve mental and physical well-being, steering young offenders away from crime and gang-related activities. 

https://www.marcellusbaz.co.uk/switch-up/ 

The Forward Trust (Nationwide) – Supports people with addiction and mental health challenges post-prison, including fitness and wellbeing programs. 

http://www.forwardtrust.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.  

💬 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 with Julia. Released from prison 10 years ago, Julia started working in the criminal justice system, working her way up into management positions, but she found that what was once part of her healing journey, was becoming part of her trauma. Julia decided to make a change, and as somebody known as having a permanent tan, she’s living her best life running her own tanning and beauty salon. 

Useful organisations: 

Unlock- Building a fairer future for people with criminal records https://unlock.org.uk/ 

Working Chance- Unlocking Women’s Potential https://workingchance.org/ 

User Voice- We put people’s lived experience insights at the heart of the justice system, to ensure it works better for everyone. https://www.uservoice.org/  

PACT- Prison Advice and Care Trust- We build stronger families and safer communities https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/ 

Cart Cattermole- Prison- A Survival Guide https://www.pagesofhackney.co.uk/webshop/product/prison-a-survival-guide-carl-cattermole/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbYq8u3F9ddwyvx8bTole6Ozd7JQKQjDFg7xuoi4lngQh1aCN9  

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.

This week on the Life After Prison couch. Zak & Jules are joined by Kevin Devonport. An international award-winning self-taught artist, whose journey started from a council estate in Leeds. Kevin served 24 years inside, where he overcame addiction and taught himself to paint, which has lead to his work being featured across the UK and Europe in multiple prominent exhibitions.

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

Useful Organisations

Care After Combat - Care after Combat is dedicated to providing vital support for former 

and serving British Armed Forces personnel within the justice system and their families. 

https://careaftercombat.org/ 

Changing Lives - Changing Lives has been helping people facing some of the most challenging circumstances for 50 years. Helping people who experience homelessness through their hostels and day centres. They exist to provide anyone facing a challenging time, with the right support so that they can change their life for the better. 

https://www.changing-lives.org.uk/ 

Inspire North -  

https://www.inspirenorth.co.uk/ 

Addictions North East - Providing supported housing to those who feel unable to live alone due to addiction or behavioural issues such as mental health conditions, Learning difficulties or homelessness. 

https://www.addictionsnortheast.com/ 

Koestler Arts - The Koestler Awards is an annual programme encouraging people from the UK's criminal justice system to change their lives through the arts.

https://koestlerarts.org.uk/

Kevin’s Website 

https://kevindevonportfineart.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.

This week Jules speaks to Pri, whose negative relationship with alcohol lead to multiple convictions and stints in prison. Unwavering support from the charity ID Essence, a probation officer willing to go the extra mile to help support her with binge drinking, and being fitted with an alcohol tag, helped Pri get to the place where she is today. She’s now working for ID Essence, supporting women coming out of prison, and prefers a takeaway and a Netflix binge to getting drunk on a Friday night.  

The full version of this episode can be found wherever you get your podcasts: (link) 

Useful organisations: 

ID Essence- ID Essence work with young adults aged 18-25 in women's prisons and after https://www.idessence.org/ 

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Help and support for anyone with alcohol problems. https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ 

Alcohol Change UK- Information and support options for people worried about how much alcohol they are drinking. alcoholchange.org.uk 

Change Grow Live- Find information and local support services for alcohol and drug use. changegrowlive.org 

Mind- making sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone https://www.mind.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/

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

This week on the Life After Prison Podcast Zak and Jules respond to some social media comments again, this time with the aim to dispel some myths surrounding prison. These comments are from a video of previous guest Nabil Abdul Rashid recalling his first moments being in prison. 

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

Useful Organisations

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

https://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk 

Independent Monitoring Boards - Volunteer groups that monitor prisons and detention centers to ensure fair, humane treatment and report on daily life. 

https://imb.org.uk/ 

The Howard League for Penal Reform – Working for less crime, safer communities, and fewer people in prison. They aim to build more effective solutions to crime that provides justice to all and helps reduce reoffending. 

https://howardleague.org 

Shelter – Offers housing advice and support to those facing homelessness, helping with housing rights and advocacy.   

https://shelter.org.uk   

Mind (UK-wide) – Provides support and advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. 

https://www.mind.org.uk/ 

https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/publication_typeyear/annual-reports/ 

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 20-year-old Kerry, who’s only been out of prison a month at the time of recording. They chat about how losing a friend in the Grenfell Tower fire at the age of 13 had a massive impact on Kerry, who later became expelled from school, and at the age of 17 received a 5 year prison sentence. For Kerry, being recalled back to prison after being released half way through her sentence was a big wake up call, and changed her outlook on moving forwards. 

The full version of this episode can be found wherever you get your podcasts: (link) 

Useful links and organisations: 

ID Essence- ID Essence work with young adults aged 18-25 in women's prisons and after https://www.idessence.org/ 

Action for Children- We help those in trouble to turn their lives around https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/our-work-and-impact/children-and-families/young-people/ 

Nacro- We see your future, whatever your past https://www.nacro.org.uk/  

St Giles Trust- Turning a past into a future https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk/ 

Unlock- Building a fairer future for people with  criminal records https://unlock.org.uk/ 

Working Chance- Unlocking Women’s Potential 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/ 

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

This week Jules sits down with Molly Ellis, someone she met while they were both in prison. In 2017, after experiencing a family tragedy, Molly’s life changed drastically, eventually ending with a five-year prison sentence for fraud. Just weeks before starting her sentence, she gave birth to her daughter and chose to raise her newborn behind bars. Since her release, Molly has dedicated herself to helping others rebuild their lives through her organisation Project Accountability. The two also reminisce on old times as former pad-mates and the incredible journeys they've been on since leaving prison.

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

Useful organisations: 

Support for Women in/Leaving Prison: 

Women in Prison (National) – Supports women affected by the criminal justice system with advocacy, housing, employment, and resettlement services. 

https://www.womeninprison.org.uk 

Birth Companions (London and the South East) – Provides support for pregnant women and mothers in prison, including help with resettlement and parenting. 

https://www.birthcompanions.org.uk 

Domestic Abuse & Trauma Support: 

Refuge (National) – Offers emergency accommodation and support for women escaping domestic abuse. 

https://www.refuge.org.uk 

Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) (National) – Helps women rebuild financially after economic abuse. 

https://survivingeconomicabuse.org 

Employment & Entrepreneurship Support: 

Project Accountability – Founded by Molly Ellis and Ty Mitchell, this organization focuses on reducing recidivism and supporting ex-offenders and vulnerable youth through vocational training, employment opportunities, and rehabilitation programs. 

https://www.projectaccountability.co.uk 

Peabody Group - Aiming to provide great homes and housing services, making a positive impact in communities and creating an inspiring, inclusive place to work.

https://www.peabodygroup.org.uk/

Peckham Soup Kitchen - A community non-profit organisation formed in 2022 set up to give back to those in need in the Southwark community. Providing food provisions each week to support those in need.​ They also mentor young people and facilitate programmes to support young people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

https://www.peckhamsoupkitchen.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 Sharon. Sharon’s life on the Cornish coast is idyllic, but her life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs to get to this point. From escaping an abusive relationship and serving a prison sentence for benefit fraud, to cycling around the world, battling serious health problems and publishing her own book.

Useful organisations: 

Kaleidoscopic UK - Supporting Children and Adults who have been exposed to domestic abuse https://www.kaleidoscopic.uk/ 

Women’s Aid - Building a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated https://www.womensaid.org.uk/  

Refuge - For women and children against domestic abuse https://refuge.org.uk/  

National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247 

PACT - Prison Advice and Care Trust- We build stronger families and safer communities https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/ 

POPS - Partners of Prisoners- Providing information and support for offenders' families from the point of arrest through to release and beyond. https://www.partnersofprisoners.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. 

💬 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 

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

This week on the Life After Prison Podcast Zak and Jules respond to some of the comments they received on social media about a previous episode. That episode explores disclosing to potential future partners if you have spent time in prison, and how soon you would tell them. 

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

The episode the comments came from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH5uK6WvvnQ

Our episode on disclosing your conviction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH5uK6WvvnQ

Useful organisations:

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/

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

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/

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

Northern Ireland Alternatives (Belfast and Derry/Londonderry) – A restorative justice organisation 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 talks to Sarah, who after years of struggling with her mental health and substance abuse, found that the warmth, support and community found in a women’s centre not far from her home, would help her transform her life. 

Useful organisations: 

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/  

POPS (Partners of Prisoners) https://www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk/ 

Women’s Service Map https://www.womensservicesmap.com/ 

Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/ 

Trauma Breakthrough https://www.traumabreakthrough.org/ 

Adoption Matters https://www.adoptionmatters.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/ 

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