From Medical Aspirations to Leading a Social Enterprise | Sobanan Narenthiran
Release Date: 01/09/2025
Life After Prison The Spark: Scout
Life After Prison
In this episode Jules chats to Scout, a poet, writer and broadcaster. Scout, who ended up in prison after experiencing a manic state of psychosis, explores themes of mental health, prison and sobriety in her work. She talks to Jules about rediscovering her ability to write, turning to faith in prison and learning to like yourself. The full version of this episode can be found wherever you get your podcasts: (link) Useful links and organisations: National Prison Radio: The Mad Art of Doing Time: Scout’s Guardian article (link to...
info_outline
Life After Prison The Spark: Kiri
Life After Prison
In this episode Jules is joined by trainee barrister Kiri, whose dreams of a legal career were shaped when she was remanded in prison under joint enterprise law. Kiri tells Jules about the abusive relationship that caused her downward spiral, and the hard work that’s got her where she is today. Together they talk about the power of lived experience, being on the other side of criminal justice system, and getting more women into law. The full version of this episode can be found wherever you get your podcasts: (link) Useful organisations: Inside...
info_outline
Starting Your Own Business After Prison
Life After Prison
Zak and Jules explore what it takes to start and manage a business after prison, sharing their own journeys and lessons learned. They discuss building confidence, taking opportunities, and how businesses can open unexpected doors. This podcast is also available as a video – just search on YouTube. Useful organisations: Social Ark (East London) – Social Ark is a charity supporting young people from under-resourced communities, including ex-offenders, to create social enterprises or community-focused businesses. The Open University – Business...
info_outline
Life After Prison The Spark: OneDa
Life After Prison
In this episode Jules sits down with rapper, OneDa. Hot off the launch of her debut album, OneDa explains how she broke into the music industry. She also talks to Jules about experiencing the criminal justice system in her youth, her female rap collective HerChester, and the power of bringing others up with you. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they continue to support Life After Prison. ...
info_outline
From Medical Aspirations to Leading a Social Enterprise | Sobanan Narenthiran
Life After Prison
Zak and Jules sit down with Sobanan Narenthiran, CEO of Breakthrough, to discuss his journey from dreaming of being a doctor to navigating life after prison. Sobanan shares how his sentence impacted his family and why they’re his biggest motivation to stay out, as well as reflecting on his unexpected path to becoming a CEO, his plans for the future, and the changes he hopes to see in the criminal justice system. This podcast is also available as a video – just search on YouTube. Breakthrough are currently recruiting for their next bootcamp, more info can be found here: ...
info_outline
Life After Prison The Spark: Faye
Life After Prison
In this episode Jules is joined by audio producer, Faye. While in prison, Faye found herself presenting regular shows on National Prison Radio. Now, together with Jules, she continues this work on the outside with the Prison Radio Association. Faye talks about her passion for fitness, being a parent in prison and her work on the Secret Life of Prisons podcast. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they...
info_outline
Reflections, Goals and Growth
Life After Prison
In this episode, Zak and Jules explore what it’s like adjusting to life after prison, reflecting on their personal journeys, and the superstitions many people have when leaving. They hear from a listener who opens up about his entrepreneurial journey post-release and discuss the often-overlooked experiences of family and friends during this transition. This podcast is also available as a video – just search on YouTube. Useful organisations: Tomorrow’s Women (Wirral/Chester) – A women-only charity that provides support for women leaving prison or those at risk of offending....
info_outline
Life After Prison The Spark: Beatrice
Life After Prison
In this episode Jules chats to Beatrice, who has very recently been released from prison. As an aspiring prison reformer, Beatrice talks about using her experience for good. Together, Beatrice and Jules discuss the mix of emotions that come with release, the current state of the prison system and Beatrice’s hopes for the future. Useful links and organisations: Beatrice’s Spectator Article Prison Reform Trust The Longford Trust Open University Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to...
info_outline
How Prison Sparked a Mission to Prevent Youth Offending | Joel Dunn
Life After Prison
In this episode, Joel Dunn, founder of The Paradigm Project, shares his journey from prison to founding a charity focused on preventing youth involvement in the criminal justice system. He talks about his background, how it all started with a mentoring course in prison, and the support network that helped him rebuild his life. Joel also discusses the importance of understanding his own story, why he chose to work in prevention, and the impact of The Paradigm Project’s work. Plus, he shares insights from his research into the school-to-prison pipeline. This podcast is also available...
info_outline
Life After Prison The Spark: Barbara
Life After Prison
In this episode, Jules sits down with social impact entrepreneur, Barbara Burton. While awaiting trail, Barbara wrote a sixteen-page business plan, which became her first social enterprise during her twelve month prison sentence. Barbara talks about becoming an entrepreneur, the art of pivoting and being named as one of the BBC’s 100 Women of the World. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they...
info_outlineZak and Jules sit down with Sobanan Narenthiran, CEO of Breakthrough, to discuss his journey from dreaming of being a doctor to navigating life after prison. Sobanan shares how his sentence impacted his family and why they’re his biggest motivation to stay out, as well as reflecting on his unexpected path to becoming a CEO, his plans for the future, and the changes he hopes to see in the criminal justice system.
This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube.
Breakthrough are currently recruiting for their next bootcamp, more info can be found here: https://wearebreakthrough.co.uk/skills-bootcamp/
Useful organisations:
StandOut (London and Manchester) – Provides tailored support and mentoring for people leaving prison, helping them build confidence, secure employment, and successfully reintegrate into society.
Breakthrough (UK-Wide) – a pioneering organisation dedicated to empowering individuals from underserved and marginalised backgrounds, including those leaving prison and with criminal records, to transform their lives through education, skills development, and employment opportunities.
ChatGPT (Online) – A tool for accessible knowledge and support, assisting people with research, learning, and personal development.
Clinks Directory (UK-Wide) – A comprehensive online resource listing organisations working to support people in the criminal justice system and their families. It provides details on services, including mentoring, rehabilitation, housing, and employment support.
Criminal Justice Alliance (UK-Wide) – A network of organisations focused on promoting fairer criminal justice policies and practices.
Catch22 Digital Skills Academy (UK-Wide) – Provides training programs to help excluded groups access digital and tech-enabled roles.
CodeAtt (UK-Wide) – Focuses on equipping individuals, including ex-offenders, with coding skills to transition into the tech industry.
Spark2Life (London) – A rehabilitation and mentoring organisation empowering young people at risk of offending or reoffending.
St. Giles Trust (UK-Wide) – Helps people facing severe disadvantage transition from prison with support in employment, housing, and rehabilitation.
Unlock (UK-Wide) – Supports people with convictions to overcome barriers, particularly in employment and financial services.
The Paradigm Project (UK-Wide) – Tackles social inequality for young people through prevention-focused creative arts programs.
Prison Reform Trust (UK-Wide) – Campaigns for fairer, more effective penal systems and supports people in prison.
Bounce Back (London) – Trains individuals in custody and after release to secure sustainable employment.
Clean Slate (UK-Wide) – Helps individuals rebuild their lives with opportunities in employment and digital inclusion.
Switch Up (Nottingham) – Provides mentoring and sports programs to help young people and adults involved in or at risk of crime.
Framework (Nottingham and surrounding areas) – Prevents homelessness, offering support to people leaving prison who are at risk of housing instability.
The Growth Company (Greater Manchester) – Delivers training and employment services, including programs for people with convictions.
Community Led Initiatives (North West) – Provides mentoring and recovery-focused programs to help individuals leaving prison reintegrate into society.
Second Step (Bristol and South West) – A mental health and housing charity supporting individuals leaving the justice system.
The Nelson Trust (Gloucestershire) – Offers trauma-informed recovery and reintegration support for people in the criminal justice system.
Venture Trust (Scotland) – Provides personal development programs and employability training for people involved in the justice system.
Turning Point Scotland (Nationwide in Scotland) – Tailored support services for individuals leaving custody, including housing and addiction recovery.
The Wallich (Wales-wide) – Provides housing and resettlement support for people leaving prison, helping to prevent reoffending.
Northcoders (Manchester and Leeds) – A coding bootcamp helping individuals transition into tech careers, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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/