StandOut
@standoutprogrammes.bsky.social
We empower people to make positive change, realise their potential, and rebuild their lives after prison.
The London Assembly has published its report on employment in London after prison; an investigation we contributed to over the summer. With levels of employment for prison leavers in London lower than the national average, it is important we have this conversation.
www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
Employment in London after prison
The London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee has published its report highlighting the challenges prison leavers face in accessing employment, and the impact this has on London’s economy.
www.london.gov.uk
January 15, 2026 at 1:02 PM
The London Assembly has published its report on employment in London after prison; an investigation we contributed to over the summer. With levels of employment for prison leavers in London lower than the national average, it is important we have this conversation.
www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
It's the first week after the break and StandOut prison coaches have been back on the wings, checking in with participants and seeing what they need. For some, this will be a coaching conversation. For others, practical support with accommodation, immigration, mental health, or anything in between.
January 9, 2026 at 7:00 AM
It's the first week after the break and StandOut prison coaches have been back on the wings, checking in with participants and seeing what they need. For some, this will be a coaching conversation. For others, practical support with accommodation, immigration, mental health, or anything in between.
Finally, our most-read blog of 2025 was: "What makes a good prison officer. According to people who have been in prison."
We asked people who've spent time in custody about what officers can do to build effective relationships with people in prison.
Read what they said 👇
We asked people who've spent time in custody about what officers can do to build effective relationships with people in prison.
Read what they said 👇
What makes a good prison officer. According to people who have been in prison. — StandOut
We asked our participants (all of whom have spent time in prison) what sets a “good” prison officer apart from the rest. Their reflections formed the basis of our response to the government’s inquiry…
www.standout.org.uk
December 31, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Finally, our most-read blog of 2025 was: "What makes a good prison officer. According to people who have been in prison."
We asked people who've spent time in custody about what officers can do to build effective relationships with people in prison.
Read what they said 👇
We asked people who've spent time in custody about what officers can do to build effective relationships with people in prison.
Read what they said 👇
Number two in our top three blogs of 2025 is: "Volunteering in prison, it's a bit different."
Volunteering with StandOut in prison is unlike most other volunteer opportunities. Find out why we open up our programme to volunteers, and what volunteering with us looks like.
Read the blog 👇
Volunteering with StandOut in prison is unlike most other volunteer opportunities. Find out why we open up our programme to volunteers, and what volunteering with us looks like.
Read the blog 👇
Volunteering in prison, it's a bit different — StandOut
Volunteering in a prison is unique, and so worthwhile. Our Communications Lead, Hannah, writes about why we invite volunteers to join us inside – and the impact this has on our participants,…
www.standout.org.uk
December 30, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Number two in our top three blogs of 2025 is: "Volunteering in prison, it's a bit different."
Volunteering with StandOut in prison is unlike most other volunteer opportunities. Find out why we open up our programme to volunteers, and what volunteering with us looks like.
Read the blog 👇
Volunteering with StandOut in prison is unlike most other volunteer opportunities. Find out why we open up our programme to volunteers, and what volunteering with us looks like.
Read the blog 👇
We're looking back at our most-read blogs of 2025. First up, “Focusing on your strengths in prison.”
People in prison are constantly reminded of their mistakes. What happens when you're reminded of your strengths? Affirmations & challenges help participants see their potential, set goals & grow.
People in prison are constantly reminded of their mistakes. What happens when you're reminded of your strengths? Affirmations & challenges help participants see their potential, set goals & grow.
Focusing on your strengths in prison — StandOut
People in prison are constantly reminded of their mistakes. So, what happens when you are instead reminded of your strengths? In this blog, Rosie, one of our coaches, shares how affirmations and…
www.standout.org.uk
December 29, 2025 at 9:01 AM
We're looking back at our most-read blogs of 2025. First up, “Focusing on your strengths in prison.”
People in prison are constantly reminded of their mistakes. What happens when you're reminded of your strengths? Affirmations & challenges help participants see their potential, set goals & grow.
People in prison are constantly reminded of their mistakes. What happens when you're reminded of your strengths? Affirmations & challenges help participants see their potential, set goals & grow.
The relationship is the most important thing.
In this blog, CEO and Founder, @penny-parker.bsky.social, reflects on the power of relationships and others believing in you – sparked by our supporters’ event with Jacob Dunne.
standout.org.uk/blog/the-most-important-thing
In this blog, CEO and Founder, @penny-parker.bsky.social, reflects on the power of relationships and others believing in you – sparked by our supporters’ event with Jacob Dunne.
standout.org.uk/blog/the-most-important-thing
December 26, 2025 at 7:00 AM
The relationship is the most important thing.
In this blog, CEO and Founder, @penny-parker.bsky.social, reflects on the power of relationships and others believing in you – sparked by our supporters’ event with Jacob Dunne.
standout.org.uk/blog/the-most-important-thing
In this blog, CEO and Founder, @penny-parker.bsky.social, reflects on the power of relationships and others believing in you – sparked by our supporters’ event with Jacob Dunne.
standout.org.uk/blog/the-most-important-thing
Learn what StandOut CEO and Founder @penny-parker.bsky.social would do if she were given the keys to the Ministry of Justice, in this episode of the 'All Things Conflict' podcast with Maria Arpa.
Unlocking Second Chances: How Stand Out is Transforming Lives After Prison
Join us for this episode of All Things Conflict with host Maria Arpa as she sits down with Penny Parker, a former corporate lawyer turned advocate for restorative justice. In this episode, Penny…
www.youtube.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Learn what StandOut CEO and Founder @penny-parker.bsky.social would do if she were given the keys to the Ministry of Justice, in this episode of the 'All Things Conflict' podcast with Maria Arpa.
We're entrants in the Smiley Charity Film Awards - and we need YOUR vote!
It only takes 10 seconds and could help us win recognition for our vital work with people leaving London's prisons.
Please vote here 👉 smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/courag...
It only takes 10 seconds and could help us win recognition for our vital work with people leaving London's prisons.
Please vote here 👉 smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/courag...
December 18, 2025 at 7:00 AM
We're entrants in the Smiley Charity Film Awards - and we need YOUR vote!
It only takes 10 seconds and could help us win recognition for our vital work with people leaving London's prisons.
Please vote here 👉 smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/courag...
It only takes 10 seconds and could help us win recognition for our vital work with people leaving London's prisons.
Please vote here 👉 smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/courag...
Life after prison is complicated. People need courage & resilience to navigate the journey.
StandOut offers open-ended support that bridges the transition from prison to the community, walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives.
Alex embodies that courage & resilience. Read his story 👇
StandOut offers open-ended support that bridges the transition from prison to the community, walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives.
Alex embodies that courage & resilience. Read his story 👇
December 16, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Life after prison is complicated. People need courage & resilience to navigate the journey.
StandOut offers open-ended support that bridges the transition from prison to the community, walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives.
Alex embodies that courage & resilience. Read his story 👇
StandOut offers open-ended support that bridges the transition from prison to the community, walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives.
Alex embodies that courage & resilience. Read his story 👇
At our recent event, the message from Jacob Dunne was this:
"The quality of your life can be measured in the quality of your relationships."
Penny reflects on the power of relational working and of others holding belief in you until you can hold it yourself.
www.standout.org.uk/blog/the-mos...
"The quality of your life can be measured in the quality of your relationships."
Penny reflects on the power of relational working and of others holding belief in you until you can hold it yourself.
www.standout.org.uk/blog/the-mos...
The relationship is the most important thing — StandOut
StandOut CEO and Founder, Penny Parker, reflects on the power - for people leaving prison - of relationships and others believing in you. A blog sparked by our supporters’ event with Jacob Dunne.
www.standout.org.uk
December 12, 2025 at 12:01 PM
At our recent event, the message from Jacob Dunne was this:
"The quality of your life can be measured in the quality of your relationships."
Penny reflects on the power of relational working and of others holding belief in you until you can hold it yourself.
www.standout.org.uk/blog/the-mos...
"The quality of your life can be measured in the quality of your relationships."
Penny reflects on the power of relational working and of others holding belief in you until you can hold it yourself.
www.standout.org.uk/blog/the-mos...
Our @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge has come to an end!
We raised an incredible £80,202 - increasing to £88,431 with Gift Aid!
✨THANK YOU to every single one of you who donated and helped to make it happen✨
Still want to support us? 👉 standout.org.uk/getinvolved
We raised an incredible £80,202 - increasing to £88,431 with Gift Aid!
✨THANK YOU to every single one of you who donated and helped to make it happen✨
Still want to support us? 👉 standout.org.uk/getinvolved
December 10, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Our @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge has come to an end!
We raised an incredible £80,202 - increasing to £88,431 with Gift Aid!
✨THANK YOU to every single one of you who donated and helped to make it happen✨
Still want to support us? 👉 standout.org.uk/getinvolved
We raised an incredible £80,202 - increasing to £88,431 with Gift Aid!
✨THANK YOU to every single one of you who donated and helped to make it happen✨
Still want to support us? 👉 standout.org.uk/getinvolved
There are 24 hours to go until the end of the #ChristmasChallenge! You can double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social until 12pm tomorrow.
Help us to reach our £80,000 target!
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Help us to reach our £80,000 target!
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
December 8, 2025 at 12:03 PM
There are 24 hours to go until the end of the #ChristmasChallenge! You can double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social until 12pm tomorrow.
Help us to reach our £80,000 target!
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Help us to reach our £80,000 target!
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
With stigma, low confidence & limited opportunities, finding work after prison is tough. StandOut builds skills & confidence, then supports people into jobs when ready.
Double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
December 7, 2025 at 7:00 AM
With stigma, low confidence & limited opportunities, finding work after prison is tough. StandOut builds skills & confidence, then supports people into jobs when ready.
Double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Leaving prison can be isolating. StandOut coaches build trusting relationships, but it takes courage & resilience to grow wider support networks. In letters, participants urge each other to reach out.
Double your donation via the Big Give #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Double your donation via the Big Give #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
December 6, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Leaving prison can be isolating. StandOut coaches build trusting relationships, but it takes courage & resilience to grow wider support networks. In letters, participants urge each other to reach out.
Double your donation via the Big Give #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Double your donation via the Big Give #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Mental health can be a challenge after prison. It takes courage to ask for help & resilience to keep asking. StandOut creates safe spaces & connects people to support.
Double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
December 5, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Mental health can be a challenge after prison. It takes courage to ask for help & resilience to keep asking. StandOut creates safe spaces & connects people to support.
Double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Double your donation via the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Leaving prison often means lacking essentials. StandOut provides release packs & grants, plus long‑term support to build courage & resilience. In letters, participants urged each other to “KEEP ON GOING.”
Double your donation via Big Give #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Double your donation via Big Give #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
December 4, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Leaving prison often means lacking essentials. StandOut provides release packs & grants, plus long‑term support to build courage & resilience. In letters, participants urged each other to “KEEP ON GOING.”
Double your donation via Big Give #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
Double your donation via Big Give #ChristmasChallenge till 9 Dec: bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
⌛ We’re 24 hours into the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge.
So far, you've helped us raise £14,630 of our £80,000 target!
Please continue to donate & repost. Donations to StandOut via the Big Give will be doubled until 12pm on 9 Dec!
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
So far, you've helped us raise £14,630 of our £80,000 target!
Please continue to donate & repost. Donations to StandOut via the Big Give will be doubled until 12pm on 9 Dec!
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
December 3, 2025 at 12:01 PM
⌛ We’re 24 hours into the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge.
So far, you've helped us raise £14,630 of our £80,000 target!
Please continue to donate & repost. Donations to StandOut via the Big Give will be doubled until 12pm on 9 Dec!
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
So far, you've helped us raise £14,630 of our £80,000 target!
Please continue to donate & repost. Donations to StandOut via the Big Give will be doubled until 12pm on 9 Dec!
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
🙌 It’s #GivingTuesday, and the Big Give #ChristmasChallenge has begun!
For one week only, donations to StandOut via the Big Give will be DOUBLED, at no extra cost to you. Double the donation, double the impact.
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
For one week only, donations to StandOut via the Big Give will be DOUBLED, at no extra cost to you. Double the donation, double the impact.
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
December 2, 2025 at 12:03 PM
🙌 It’s #GivingTuesday, and the Big Give #ChristmasChallenge has begun!
For one week only, donations to StandOut via the Big Give will be DOUBLED, at no extra cost to you. Double the donation, double the impact.
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
For one week only, donations to StandOut via the Big Give will be DOUBLED, at no extra cost to you. Double the donation, double the impact.
To donate, click here 👉 bit.ly/standoutchristmas2025
📢 24 hours until the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge!
For one week - from 12 noon tomorrow - donations made via the Big Give will be DOUBLED.
Hear StandOut participants remind each other to draw on the courage & resilience they need to rebuild a life after prison 👉
For one week - from 12 noon tomorrow - donations made via the Big Give will be DOUBLED.
Hear StandOut participants remind each other to draw on the courage & resilience they need to rebuild a life after prison 👉
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
📢 24 hours until the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge!
For one week - from 12 noon tomorrow - donations made via the Big Give will be DOUBLED.
Hear StandOut participants remind each other to draw on the courage & resilience they need to rebuild a life after prison 👉
For one week - from 12 noon tomorrow - donations made via the Big Give will be DOUBLED.
Hear StandOut participants remind each other to draw on the courage & resilience they need to rebuild a life after prison 👉
Seen our video for the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge?
It features powerful letters between StandOut participants – thoughtful, encouraging messages about the courage & resilience it takes to rebuild a life after prison.
Their words are raw, real, & full of hope 👉
It features powerful letters between StandOut participants – thoughtful, encouraging messages about the courage & resilience it takes to rebuild a life after prison.
Their words are raw, real, & full of hope 👉
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
bit.ly
November 27, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Seen our video for the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge?
It features powerful letters between StandOut participants – thoughtful, encouraging messages about the courage & resilience it takes to rebuild a life after prison.
Their words are raw, real, & full of hope 👉
It features powerful letters between StandOut participants – thoughtful, encouraging messages about the courage & resilience it takes to rebuild a life after prison.
Their words are raw, real, & full of hope 👉
There's a week to go until the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge!
Our programme supports people to build the courage & resilience they need to leave the justice system behind and truly begin to thrive.
Hear participants remind each other of the strengths they share 👇
bit.ly/courageandre...
Our programme supports people to build the courage & resilience they need to leave the justice system behind and truly begin to thrive.
Hear participants remind each other of the strengths they share 👇
bit.ly/courageandre...
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
bit.ly
November 25, 2025 at 7:00 AM
There's a week to go until the @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge!
Our programme supports people to build the courage & resilience they need to leave the justice system behind and truly begin to thrive.
Hear participants remind each other of the strengths they share 👇
bit.ly/courageandre...
Our programme supports people to build the courage & resilience they need to leave the justice system behind and truly begin to thrive.
Hear participants remind each other of the strengths they share 👇
bit.ly/courageandre...
Coaching is deeply embedded in our programme.
Fundamental is the belief that everyone can find their own answers and see change. Partnering with coaches, StandOut participants begin to believe it too.
This feedback sums up what we set out to achieve.
Read our Annual Report 👇
bit.ly/4hCU4cA
Fundamental is the belief that everyone can find their own answers and see change. Partnering with coaches, StandOut participants begin to believe it too.
This feedback sums up what we set out to achieve.
Read our Annual Report 👇
bit.ly/4hCU4cA
November 20, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Coaching is deeply embedded in our programme.
Fundamental is the belief that everyone can find their own answers and see change. Partnering with coaches, StandOut participants begin to believe it too.
This feedback sums up what we set out to achieve.
Read our Annual Report 👇
bit.ly/4hCU4cA
Fundamental is the belief that everyone can find their own answers and see change. Partnering with coaches, StandOut participants begin to believe it too.
This feedback sums up what we set out to achieve.
Read our Annual Report 👇
bit.ly/4hCU4cA
Employment reduces the risk of reoffending. But rebuilding a life after prison isn’t as simple as finding a job. StandOut supports people to first build stability.
Of those who engage with our support, and can access work, 48% of participants are employed within 6 months.
Read Ben's story 👇
Of those who engage with our support, and can access work, 48% of participants are employed within 6 months.
Read Ben's story 👇
November 18, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Employment reduces the risk of reoffending. But rebuilding a life after prison isn’t as simple as finding a job. StandOut supports people to first build stability.
Of those who engage with our support, and can access work, 48% of participants are employed within 6 months.
Read Ben's story 👇
Of those who engage with our support, and can access work, 48% of participants are employed within 6 months.
Read Ben's story 👇
Through coaching, we see extraordinary shifts in the mindsets and attitudes of the people we work with. Participants begin to have hope for a life beyond the prison gates.
This feedback from a StandOut participant sums up exactly what we set out to achieve.
Read our Annual Report 👇
bit.ly/4hCU4cA
This feedback from a StandOut participant sums up exactly what we set out to achieve.
Read our Annual Report 👇
bit.ly/4hCU4cA
November 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Through coaching, we see extraordinary shifts in the mindsets and attitudes of the people we work with. Participants begin to have hope for a life beyond the prison gates.
This feedback from a StandOut participant sums up exactly what we set out to achieve.
Read our Annual Report 👇
bit.ly/4hCU4cA
This feedback from a StandOut participant sums up exactly what we set out to achieve.
Read our Annual Report 👇
bit.ly/4hCU4cA
Prison erodes people’s confidence, motivation and hope for the future – often resulting in poor mental health and wellbeing.
In 2024-25, 77% of participants in our programme reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing.
Asad is one of them. Read his story 👇
TW: Suicidal ideation.
In 2024-25, 77% of participants in our programme reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing.
Asad is one of them. Read his story 👇
TW: Suicidal ideation.
November 11, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Prison erodes people’s confidence, motivation and hope for the future – often resulting in poor mental health and wellbeing.
In 2024-25, 77% of participants in our programme reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing.
Asad is one of them. Read his story 👇
TW: Suicidal ideation.
In 2024-25, 77% of participants in our programme reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing.
Asad is one of them. Read his story 👇
TW: Suicidal ideation.