Running for Redemption: A Step Towards Change

The crisis in our prisons, marked by overcrowding and rising reoffending rates, is more urgent than ever. As someone who has worked in prisons for nearly a decade, I’ve seen both the challenges and the potential for solutions. My work on the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Wormwood Scrubs has shown me the vital role employment plays in reducing reoffending, while my experience working with prisoners struggling with addiction and mental health issues has highlighted the need for long-term, personalised support. With the recent appointment of James Timpson as Minister of State for Prisons, Parole, and Probation, there is a renewed focus on employment as a key factor in rehabilitation—an approach that aligns closely with the mission of StandOut, the charity I proudly serve as a trustee.

StandOut’s Transformative Work

StandOut is more than a charity; it’s a lifeline. We help people in prison, and those leaving the justice system, rebuild their lives through meaningful employment, breaking the cycle of reoffending. Our tailored coaching programmes within prisons equip participants with practical skills and confidence, preparing them for reintegration into society. What sets StandOut apart is our unique, person-centred approach—we understand that while everyone may be facing the same journey, not everyone starts from the same place.

Reaching the start line can be the hardest part. Some people have the advantage of strong support networks, while others face much bigger challenges to get there. Those leaving prison often start their race burdened with homelessness, unemployment, and the stigma of a criminal record. Many also battle addiction or mental health challenges, which only make their path more difficult. This is where StandOut steps in, providing crucial support to help people get to the start line and, more importantly, cross the finish line. But unlike many services, we don’t stop at the finish. We continue to walk alongside people long after their release, offering the help they need to stay on track and build sustainable lives.

Our impact speaks for itself: participants in StandOut’s programmes are three times more likely to find work than the average prison leaver, and twice as likely to avoid reoffending within a year. We work in partnership with prisons, businesses, and communities to provide ongoing support for participants, long after they leave prison. This approach has seen StandOut become a trusted partner in prisons such as HMP Wandsworth, Wormwood Scrubs, and Pentonville.

We rely solely on the generosity of individuals and organisations, as we receive no statutory funding. Donations directly support vital services, such as our coaching courses inside prisons and ongoing work with individuals after their release, which includes mentoring, addiction support, and mental health assistance. This holistic support is crucial for helping participants navigate the complex challenges of life after prison.

Why I’m Running

For me, this run is about championing second chances. It’s about showing that, no matter how difficult the path to the start line, with the right support, everyone can finish the race. But crossing the finish line doesn’t mean the journey is over. Just as StandOut supports people long after they leave prison, I’m running to highlight that real transformation continues beyond that final mile. Every step I take represents the courage of the men and women StandOut works with, especially those battling addiction and mental health challenges, who are striving not just to survive, but to thrive.

Join Me

Your support will make a genuine difference. It could help provide crisis accommodation for someone released homeless or fund one of our tailored coaching programmes inside prison. Every donation directly impacts someone’s future, giving them the tools, support, and hope they need to build a new life. Together, we can break the cycle of reoffending, strengthen communities, and create a safer, brighter future for all.

Thank you for believing in change. Let’s turn every step into a leap towards a more safe, just, and compassionate society.