The StandOut Programme
People leaving prison need the best possible chance to rebuild their lives if they are to move out of the justice system for good.
For many people, key to achieving that is long-term holistic support through a relationship based on trust. StandOut delivers intensive group programmes inside prison followed by 1:1 individually-tailored support after release for as long as required.
I came out of prison with £46 – literally not enough to get a train ticket back home to Wales. There isn’t enough support for people coming out of prison which is why so many people reoffend. I think that’s where StandOut comes in. To be honest the only reason I joined the programme initially was to get out of my cell but as soon as I got into the course, the coaches were really brilliant. They helped me change my whole mindset – even if I fail I just need resilience to get back up and keep trying.
Standout Participant
With most prison courses, once you get released the support stops. StandOut is there for life: when you are in prison and when you get out. That’s rare to find.
Standout Participant
I felt completely lost coming out of prison in the pandemic after being stuck in my cell for months. I had £46 from the prison and the clothes on my back. I didn't expect anything like the support StandOut has given me. I now have a roof over my head, a job & things to look forward to.
Standout Participant
If StandOut’s mission was to help me get a job, then they have achieved that. That’s why I don't like to call StandOut a charity, because when I think of a charity I think of those people that leave you as soon as you walk out of the gates. It's been two years since I left prison and StandOut is still here beside me.
Standout Participant
Thank you for your help and keep pushing to get it in other prisons as people need your help and will benefit from what you have to give as StandOut is life changing.
Standout Participant
You weren't an employment course for me. You were my counsel. You changed how I thought about everything, literally everything.
Standout Participant
Phase 1: intensive course inside prison
StandOut’s support begins with an intensive three-week programme inside prison to prepare people for life outside. Group work is combined with in-depth one-to-one sessions so that coaches can get to know each person’s needs and their hopes for the future.
The course includes:
· Developing positive mindsets and new ways of thinking
· Overcoming trauma and building the resilience needed to handle setbacks
· Developing key life skills in communication, leadership, and organisation
· Visits from employers who believe in second chances for prison leavers
· Volunteer-led CV writing and mock interview workshops
· Building confidence, motivation and self-worth.
StandOut coaches create a safe space where people can discover who they are and what they are capable of achieving. They build non-judgemental and honest relationships, based on trust, which are crucial for the next phase of StandOut’s support.
Phase 2: preparation for release
After the course, coaches continue to offer one-to-one practical support and work with people to plan for life and work beyond release. This work is often carried out in collaboration with other support services such as housing and substance misuse recovery workers.
Phase 3: support beyond prison
The hard work really starts when people leave prison. Contrary to what many think, release from prison isn’t always an exciting prospect for people. There is often a great deal of uncertainty about the first days and weeks, and very few people are ‘ready’ for work straight after prison.
StandOut coaches offer one-to-one, holistic support after release for as long as required. This support looks different for everyone. It is individually tailored to each person and their plans to build stability in their lives.
The journey, which can often involve ups and downs, focuses on employment, education or training but also involves wrap-around support to help people build stability across all areas of life. This can include support with housing, recovery from alcohol and substance misuse, issues with family or difficulties with mental health.
Life is complicated and there is rarely a quick fix and so StandOut’s door is always open.