Introducing: The Secret Life of Prisons – The Secret Life of Lifers: Part 1

Life After Prison

Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 4 in the studio, we thought we would share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called The Secret Life of Prisons and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio Association. This episode is all about lifers and is part one of two.

What is it like to receive a life sentence?

We're joined by two people who have had this experience - both have been to prison and are now outside living with a 'life licence'.

They join Phil and Paula in the studio, along with criminologists Serena Wright and Susie Hulley.

Serena is a researcher and Lecturer in Criminology in the Department of Law and Criminology at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. Her research on prisons and penology has focused on short-term sentences and post-release ‘frustrated desistance’ among women, and the experience of long-term incarceration among life-sentenced prisoners.

Susie is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge. She is interested in how young people are affected by the criminal justice system, particularly their experiences of criminalisation and imprisonment. Her recent work focuses on the application of ‘joint enterprise’ by criminal justice practitioners (including lawyers and the police) and the impact of this legal doctrine on young people.

Useful Organisations

• Prison Reform Trust

• NACRO

• Unlock

• PACT

• Clinks Directory

If you need mental health support:

• CALM

• CALM helpline – 0800 58 58 58 (open 5pm-midnight)

• Samaritans

• Samaritans helpline – 116 123 (24 hours)

• MIND

• MIND Infoline number – 0300 123 3393 (provides an information and signposting service. Open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday except for bank holidays.)

• SHOUT – text for free any time on 85258

Contact us:

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.

💬 DM us: @afterprisonpod on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok

📧 Email us: [e-mail]

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

🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/