Sometimes, people in prison don’t trust us – often because they’ve been repeatedly let down by the systems designed to support them. Trust isn’t built through big gestures, but through small, consistent actions over time. Here are just a few of the ways we build trust at StandOut.
Read MoreGetting participants to present in the classroom develops essential communication skills. In this blog, Phia – coach at HMP Wormwood Scrubs – explores the additional benefits, and what happens when we ask people how they want to be remembered.
Read MoreHannah usually sits behind a desk at StandOut HQ but recently stepped out of her comfort zone and into the classroom at HMP Pentonville to coach the most recent cohort of StandOut participants.
Read MoreIn this blog, CEO and Founder, Penny Parker, reflects on the power of relationships and others believing in you – sparked by our supporters’ event with Jacob Dunne.
Read MoreIn 2024-25, the crisis in our prisons and wider justice system rolled on, with the level of need ever greater and more complex. Read our annual report to find out how StandOut continued to support men caught up in it to rebuild their lives beyond it.
Read MoreIn this blog, Communications and Policy Manager, Hannah, reflects on a mock interview workshop at HMP Pentonville and how it revealed the power of a strengths-based approach to build confidence, self-worth, and hope for the future.
Read MoreIn this blog, Communications and Policy Manager, Hannah, reflects on what participants at a recent end of course graduation taught her about embracing her power mentality.
Read MoreYou might be surprised to learn that we don’t receive government funding for our work with people preparing to leave prison. There are good reasons behind this decision. Zoe, our Fundraising Officer, explores the power of being an independently funded charity.
Read MoreWe asked our participants (all of whom have spent time in prison) what sets a “good” prison officer apart from the rest. Their reflections formed the basis of our response to the government’s inquiry into prison culture.
Read MoreVolunteering in a prison is unique, and so worthwhile. Our Communications Lead, Hannah, writes about why we invite volunteers to join us inside – and the impact this has on our participants, volunteers, and society.
Read MorePeople in prison are constantly reminded of their mistakes. So, what happens when you are instead reminded of your strengths? In this blog, Rosie, one of our coaches, shares how affirmations and challenges help participants to see their potential, set goals, and grow.
Read MoreOur community coaches love being able to meet participants at the prison gates on their day of release, to support them on their first day in the community. Tony takes us through a typical ‘gate meet’.
Read MoreHM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, joined StandOut to discuss the four challenges facing rehabilitation in our prisons.
Read MoreA recent graduation at HMP Wandsworth reminded us of the importance of relationships for people preparing to leave prison.
Read MoreMoving through the justice system and rebuilding a life on the other side requires significant resilience. In this blog, Molly – StandOut Coach at HMP Pentonville – explains how we support our participants to recognise, and sustain, their inherent resilience.
Read MoreAs we launch our strategy for the next two years, we also announce our new value - Courageous - which will guide our work with people leaving London prisons in 2024-2026, and beyond.
Read MoreAfter prison, comes probation. For some, this transition can be confusing - even frustrating - and there are significant consequences if it goes wrong. In this blog, Senior Lead Coach Amrit explains why it’s important that we talk about the challenges and opportunities of working with probation during our three-week course in prison.
Read MoreWhat happens when you encourage people in prison to connect with people in the community? From building confidence to systems change, we spoke about what it really means to volunteer in prison as we celebrated PA Consulting reaching 100 StandOut volunteers.
Read MoreBy recognising that we have choices, we can feel more in control. But how does this work for someone in prison? Amy, one of our Lead Coaches, recalls a recent conversation with StandOut participants at HMP Pentonville about what it means to have "the slight edge".
Read MoreMen at HMP Wandsworth and HMP Wormwood Scrubs tell us what they’d like to see bridging the gap in provision that exists between leaving prison and thriving in the community - and how we could support them to navigate this transition.
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