You Must Meet People Where They Are, To Help Them Grow - Donell & Jeffrey

On this episode of Life After Prison, we explore a story that doesn’t follow a straight line — because real change rarely does.

Donell, a successful contractor & former prisoner, shares the highs, setbacks, and hard truths of life after release, while Jeffrey, a prison coach, reflects on the turning point that changed his own path and led him to work with young people in custody.

The two met at Cookham Wood, where honest, in-depth coaching built a powerful connection — one that was tested by setbacks, including a return to prison and homelessness.

They reflect on what changed the second time around, and why some people break the cycle while others don’t.

This episode of Life After Prison accompanies the launch of a short film from Spark Inside focused on Donell's remarkable journey.

Watch here: https://www.sparkinside.org/news/donells-story-how-coaching-unlocked-his-hero-within-5

This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube.

Useful Organisations:

Kings Trust – support young people to get into work, education, or training, especially those facing disadvantages or barriers like unemployment or a history with the justice system. Offering mentoring, courses, and funding to help build confidence and create new opportunities.

Spark Inside - deliver coaching programmes in prisons, helping young people develop confidence, emotional intelligence, and a sense of purpose. Their work focuses on supporting long-term personal change and better outcomes after release.

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: podcasts@prison.radio

✉️ Write: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF

🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/

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