A Moment of Change Podcast: Life after prison - Breaking the cycle of reoffending

A Moment of Change is a podcast created by On Purpose London Associates. Series 3 of the podcast will discuss systems change with key leaders working in various areas of social and environmental impact.

The UK has one of the worst reoffending rates in the western world: ex-offenders particularly struggle to find employment, yet having a job on release from prison roughly halves the likelihood of committing another crime.

In this episode, Jonathan Spencer and Felicity Kneeshaw speak to Kali Hamerton-Stove, CEO of The Glasshouse, and Annie Gale, head of the RAW Talent Programme at Cook, on how both organisations are providing training, employment, support and – crucially – hope to people leaving prison.

Cook has recruited nearly 150 vulnerable people into work since the programme started in 2014, while The Glasshouse focuses on plant installation and maintenance to provide opportunities to the 4% of the prison population who are female.

Kali and Annie discuss some of the challenges of working within the complex justice system, the impact they are having on both individuals and wider social attitudes, and their hope that other businesses will follow their lead. We also hear first hand from John and Del on how joining Cook has given them a second chance and support network after leaving prison.

If you’d like to see Cook’s Raw Talent Programme in action, or speak to the Glasshouse about plantscaping or workshops, then do get in touch with Annie and Kali.

With thanks to Jonathan Spencer for his work on editing and producing this episode

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