Every day, our teams support people in prison, helping them build brighter futures. Through education, guidance, and wellbeing support, we encourage individuals to make positive changes and prepare for life after prison. These stories highlight the inspiring transformations we are honored to be part of:
Secret Diner at HMP Sudbury with Fred Sirieix - Learners at HMP Sudbury, enrolled in catering and hospitality courses, hosted a fine dining event at the prison's "Secret Diner," serving 60 guests under the guidance of Michelin-trained chefs, as part of The Right Course initiative founded by Fred Sirieix to provide practical training and reduce reoffending rates.
Bringing the Inside, Out at HMP Morton Hall - At HMP Morton Hall, PeoplePlus's art classes enable prisoners to express themselves, enhance mental well-being, and prepare for a positive future, with their artwork showcased in an exhibition at Bishop Grosseteste University. Here's a sample of their work:
Entrepreneurial Spirit at HMP Low Moss - PeoplePlus has successfully completed its first self-employment pilot programme in Scotland at HMP Low Moss, where prisoners received training in business planning, cash flow, marketing, and bookkeeping, enabling them to develop their own business ideas and finalise comprehensive business plans.
Improving Literacy and Celebrating Difference at HMP Morton Hall - At HMP Morton Hall, PeoplePlus employs Neurodiversity & Reading Specialists and utilises 'That Reading Thing' (TRT), a linguistically-based phonics programme, to enhance literacy among inmates, fostering confidence and self-esteem.
Partnering with The Dusty Knuckle Bakery - PeoplePlus has partnered with The Dusty Knuckle Bakery, a London-based social enterprise, to support young individuals transitioning from YOI Werrington. The bakery offers a nurturing environment where participants, particularly those facing employment barriers, can gain skills in bakery, front-of-house operations, and kitchen work. Upon completing the programme, they receive job placements through The Dusty Knuckle's extensive employer network across London
Lowan Turned His Life Around - Lowan shares how his life changed after securing a job at The Priory Hotel following his release from prison, with support from PeoplePlus helping him take the first step on his new journey. Here's a video detailing his full story:
Restoring Wheels, Rebuilding Lives: HMP Whatton's Bike Mechanics Initiative - At HMP Whatton, the Cycle Mechanics course enables inmates to refurbish donated bicycles, enhancing their mechanical skills and preparing them for employment upon release.
Learning in Action at HMP Stocken - At HMP Stocken, eight prisoners, guided by their Plumbing and Tiling Tutor, refurbished the gym's changing rooms, gaining practical construction experience and enhancing their skills for future employment.
Christopher Leslie on Work, Rehabilitation, and Socially Responsible Recruitment - Christopher Leslie from EOS reflects on the role of work in the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and how the right job with the right employer can enable individuals to turn their life around. Our Social Recruitment Advocacy Group is committed to working with and for people who are disadvantaged in society to find employment by empowering employers to recruit in a socially responsible way. Here's a video sharing more about this important work:
Promoting Positive Wellbeing in Prisons - During World Wellbeing Week, PeoplePlus implemented various initiatives across multiple prisons to enhance inmate wellbeing, including art classes, creative workshops, farm shop projects, board game days, and wellbeing events featuring activities like yoga and health assessments.
Way2Learn Reaches the 2000 Milestone at HMP Manchester - In May 2024, HMP Manchester achieved a significant milestone by having over 2,000 learners complete courses through PeoplePlus's Way2Learn in-cell learning technology, offering university-recognised qualifications to support prisoners' rehabilitation and employability.
Creative Education at HMP Warren Hill - At HMP Warren Hill, PeoplePlus's 'Creative Space Workshop' offers inmates the 'Mindful Matching' project, where they engage in matchstick modelling to develop new skills, reduce isolation, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Empowering Change Through ESOL Teaching in Prison - ESOL Tutor Carol talks about her experience teaching English at the prison, how she uses her own experiences to support the men in improving their language skills, and the rewards she finds in her role. Here's a video sharing her story:
Catching the Chain at HMP The Mount - Learners from HMP The Mount contributed a musical composition to the "Catching the Chain" exhibition at St Albans Museum + Gallery, exploring personal experiences of prison life and re-entry into society.
Making a Difference, One Page at a Time - PeoplePlus's Bookflix initiative encourages inmates across 22 prisons to share book reviews, enhancing literacy and promoting reading for pleasure, with accessible templates and recognition for achievements.
Finding Purpose in Prison Education - Having never worked in a prison before, Emma shares her experience of why she wanted to work in a prison education environment, what it's really like, and why she loves her job. Here's a video sharing her journey:
Integrated Learning in Action - Success from HMP Lincoln's Bricklaying Course - PeoplePlus's Integrated Learning Initiative at HMP Lincoln combines practical bricklaying sessions with theoretical education, enhancing learner engagement and preparing them for real-world employment.
HMP Hindley Gives Great Feedback on Our In-Cell Learning Tech - HMP Hindley has introduced PeoplePlus's in-cell learning platforms—Wayout TV, Way2Learn, and WAYS—receiving positive feedback from prisoners who appreciate the flexibility and accessibility of educational content directly in their cells.
Making a Difference Through Neurodiversity Support at HMP Lincoln - Neurodiversity and Reading Specialist, Nicky, shares her experience of working at HMP Lincoln, how safe she feels in the environment, and the pride and job satisfaction she gets from making a real difference to prisoners. Here's a video about her journey: