From brewing beer to designing streetwear and earning law degrees, these three projects are giving offenders the tools to rebuild their lives and rewrite their futures
‘Criminally good beer’ is the tongue-in-cheek motto of this Oxford-based social enterprise brewery where jail-leavers and offenders on day release are schooled in the craft of making ale. A few miles away at Tap’s Proof Social Bakehouse and cafe, sourdough bread and baked treats are served up with a side order of redemption.
The business employs more than 50 prison leavers and has helped clock up 98,000 hours of paid employment in support of rehabilitation. Two Tap Social company directors also sit on the employment advisory boards of local prisons, collaborating with governors to unlock real job prospects for former inmates.
“Having a job helps to build self-confidence and resilience, and leaves people better equipped to lead a productive and happy life,” say those behind Tap.
Image: Tap’s Proof Social Bakehouse and cafe by Imogen Florence Photography
This trailblazing charity, founded in the UK and working in prisons across Africa, is opening doors to the legal system to those who’ve served time. Through its 15-year partnership with the University of London (UOL), dozens of prisoners and ex-offenders have earned law degrees – some while still behind bars.
Recent graduation ceremonies at prisons in Kenya and Uganda showcased the grit and resilience of its students. Among the 47 law degree graduates, four had served time on death row, while another 11 still faced the death penalty. One former death row inmate, William Okumu, has made it all the way to the Bar, and is now a fully qualified Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
UOL has form for backing prisoners: Nelson Mandela studied with the university during his 27 years of imprisonment. Patricia McKellar, dean of undergraduate laws at UOL, said: “Imagine the challenge to study while incarcerated in an African prison where access to books, the internet and other resources is drastically limited. To graduate under such conditions is an extraordinary achievement.”
Image: Priscilla Cherono and Jane Manyonge review case files at Lang’ata Women’s Prison in Kenya. Photography by Babita Patel
Freedom through fashion is the name of the game at this bold label, where all the togs are designed and produced by ex-offenders.
Founder Greg McKenzie, who is also a BBC journalist, was moved to act by the experiences of childhood friends who grew up in the care system and ended up in prison. Through mentoring and opportunity, he’s aiming to break the cycle of reoffending.
“A lot of the young people I’m noticing in prison are very creative, a lot of them have business-savvy heads,” he said. “They just need a bit of guidance. We all make mistakes and some are bigger than others, this is about helping them correct their wrongs, live a fulfilled life and be part of society.”
Besides designing themselves new futures, Inside Out’s trainees gain experience in social media, content creation and enterprise.
Last year’s crop of budding McQueens and Westwoods include Martallus Alfred, whose rose-themed streetwear was inspired by blossoming new beginnings, and Chanel Pinnock, whose Locked In range turns past pain into fresh purpose.
Image: clothing designers. Photography: Inside Out
Main image: Inside Out
Attention: use it for good
Every day, the news competes for your attention. Too often it exploits it, pulling you into outrage, despair, or distraction.
At Positive News we make a different promise: we will use your attention for good.
With 40% of people globally now avoiding the news, many are rejecting how traditional media uses their attention. Our journalism offers a different choice: we show what’s going right in the world, so that you’re informed in a way that uplifts you and helps you take positive action in your own life.
But search engines, social media algorithms, and now AI tools, increasingly control where attention goes. Their aim is to keep people on their platforms – which makes it harder than ever for independent, not-for-profit media like us to reach people. We’re not chasing clicks or profits for media moguls – we’re here to serve you and have a positive social impact. We can’t do this unless enough people like you choose to support it.
Give once from just £1, or join 1,500+ others who contribute an average of £3 or more per month. Together, we can build a healthier form of media – one that focuses on solutions, progress and possibilities, and empowers people to create positive change.
Support Positive News and we promise to always use your attention for good.
