We are delighted to have been able to support the Prison Radio Association, working with women at HMPYOI Styal with funding provided by the Ursula Keyes Trust.
Over the next 12 months, the project will continue to offer radio production training and creative workshops for women in custody, while also expanding opportunities for participants to gain experience both during temporary release (ROTL) and after leaving prison. The aim is to help women build confidence, develop practical skills, and improve their chances of finding meaningful employment after release.
As part of the programme, a series of structured workshops and specialist training sessions will be delivered by experienced staff, industry professionals, and partners including BBC Radio 5 Live and Reform Radio. These sessions will focus on communication, professionalism, workplace skills, and interview preparation, helping participants gain valuable experience that can support future education and employment opportunities.
The project also recognises the significant mental health challenges faced by many women in prison. By encouraging creativity, teamwork, and personal development, the workshops aim to inspire and motivate participants while helping to build resilience and self-confidence. Research consistently shows that increased confidence and self-esteem can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing and help people feel better equipped to face future challenges.
A key part of the funding will also support opportunities for women leaving prison to remain engaged with the organisation and continue developing their skills. With only 12 women’s prisons across England and Wales, many women are released into areas far away from the prison where they were serving their sentence, often making it difficult to access employment and ongoing support.
The organisation has already seen encouraging success from the programme, with former participants moving into paid work for the first time after completing the in-prison training scheme. Over the coming year, the project hopes to create even more opportunities for women released on temporary licence (ROTL) and for prison leavers to gain paid experience in radio production and presenting, either directly with the organisation or through partner organisations.
As a strategic partner of the Prison Service Women’s Directorate, the team will also visit additional women’s prisons across the UK to deliver radio production workshops and identify further talented participants who may benefit from the programme.
We are proud to have contributed funding towards a project that seeks to reduce reoffending by giving women the tools, encouragement, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and look towards a more positive future.