Getting Out

In a recent survey, almost three-quarters of National Prison Radio listeners told us that they wanted to hear more about the challenges of leaving prison covered on-air. The challenges around finding a job, housing or education courses after leaving prison are ones that most people will have to deal with.

That’s why Zak and Jules are returning to NPR on Tuesdays in May with Getting Out – the show packed with help and support on the most important issues that you face when you come out of jail.

Across the series, they’ll be talking about the key topics that come up, including addiction, health and money.

Zak and Jules will be sharing their own experiences in these areas as well as providing information and advice. They’ll be speaking to experts in the field who can point you in the right direction.

Here’s what’s coming up across four weeks:

Tuesday 2 May

Zak and Jules meet Debbie from the charity Unlock who explains everything you need to know about disclosing your conviction to employers. Plus they chat to Heidi from the charity Shelter about how to find out what your accommodation options are when you leave prison.

Tuesday 9 May

Lizzy from Working Chance talks about finding a job after being in prison – including how attitudes towards people with convictions are changing, and why it’s important to have a backup plan. Plus Jon from Humankind discusses your recovery journey after prison. 

Tuesday 16 May

Wendy from CALM talks about taking care of your mental health, and how the reality of life after prison can be different to what you expected … and the different ways you can get help. We also hear from Clean Slate, an organisation that helps people with their finances, to explain how to open a bank account, how Universal Credit works and signpost to lots of useful organisations and resources that can help you manage your money.

Tuesday 23 May

Kate from NHS England joins us to explain how to talk about the NHS Reconnect service and other places you can go to for support for different healthcare needs. And Scott from the Shannon Trust explains the importance of continuing your education when you leave prison, what the challenges might be, and what options are out there.

Tune in to Getting Out every Tuesday from midday and 6pm only on your station – National Prison Radio. It also gets a special repeat at 4pm every Friday.

National Prison Radio is the world’s first national radio station for people in prison. It’s run by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. It’s the only station in prison that features 24 hours of original programming made by people in prison, for people in prison, every day of the year.