From Medical Aspirations to Leading a Social Enterprise | Sobanan Narenthiran
Release Date: 01/09/2025
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: ...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Released From Prison Early?
Life After Prison
In this episode of Life After Prison, Zak and Jules discuss the SDS40 scheme which facilitates early release from prison. They reflect on their own experiences and on the impact of families and friends of those being released. They discuss whether this scheme is a long-term solution and if not, what needs to change. Have your say: There is a parliamentary inquiry into prison culture running until the 10th January. The inquiry wants to hear from people with direct experiences of prison, both as prisoners and staff. Your experiences and opinions are valuable and could help improve the...
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Life After Prison The Spark: Catherine
Life After Prison
In this episode Jules speaks to Catherine, a qualified personal trainer at Fitness Rush. Catherine and Jules share a love of fitness – but it’s something Catherine only recently discovered on her sobriety journey. After living through cycles of addiction, homelessness and criminality, Catherine talks about finding stability, being nominated for a National Fitness Award, and using her past as her purpose. 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...
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Why the Justice System Needs to Change for Women | Kate Fraser
Life After Prison
In this episode of Life After Prison, we’re joined by Kate Fraser, Head of Practice at Women In Prison, an organisation dedicated to supporting women impacted by the criminal justice system. Kate shares her journey through the prison system and into this work, exploring the unique challenges women face within the system. Kate also shares her vision of what real, systemic change could look like for women in the justice system and why inclusive, trauma-informed approaches are key to creating lasting solutions. This podcast is also available as a video – just search on YouTube. Our...
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Life After Prison The Spark: Kirsty B
Life After Prison
In this episode, Jules is in conversation with Kirsty. Kirsty had a tough childhood, and was exposed to drugs and violence from an early age, she was also let down by the people who were supposed to care for her. She went on to battle with her own addictions, and while spending time in prison found a path to recovery. Kirsty now spends her time helping other people coming out of prison to do the same. Useful organisations: Ingeus The Turnaround Project- Women's Work https://www.womens-work.org.uk/projects/the-turn-around-project/ Contact us: If anything you’ve heard in this podcast...
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.