What is the School-to-Prison Pipeline?

In part two of this episode, Joel Dunn, founder of The Paradigm Project, shares his journey from prison to creating a charity focused on preventing youth involvement in the criminal justice system. He discusses the importance of understanding his own story, why he chose to work in prevention, and the impact of his charity’s creative arts programs. Joel also talks about his research into the school-to-prison pipeline and the need for early intervention.

The full version of this episode can be found wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1646949340

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Useful organisations:
Mind (UK-wide) – Provides support and advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
https://www.mind.org.uk/
Helpline: 0300 123 3393

Samaritans (UK-wide) – A 24/7 helpline for anyone feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or suicidal.
https://www.samaritans.org/
Helpline: 116 123

SurvivorsUK (UK-wide) – Provides support for men and non-binary people who have experienced sexual abuse.

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Helpline: 020 3322 1860 (Text and WhatsApp support available)

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) (UK-wide) – Focuses on preventing male suicide but supports anyone in crisis.
https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58

Shout (UK-wide) – A free, 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis, providing immediate support.
https://giveusashout.org/
Text: 85258

Spark2Life (London) – Offers mentoring and workshops to help young people and adults make positive life changes, often led by individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
https://www.spark2life.co.uk/

Exit Foundation (London) – Supports individuals looking to leave gang involvement and criminal lifestyles by providing mentoring, education, and employment opportunities.

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The Paradigm Project (National) – Tackles social inequality for young people with a focus on prevention and addressing the school-to-prison pipeline.

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Change for Good (London) – aim to empower those leaving prison and resettling in London to transform their lives through mentoring, advocacy, and peer support.
https://www.changeforgood.info/

Key4Life (Somerset and London) – Helps young men at risk of offending or who have been in prison to transform their lives through mentoring, employability programs, and emotional resilience training. Their innovative approach includes music, sports, and equine therapy to build confidence and create opportunities for lasting change.
https://key4life.org.uk/

Step Together (Bristol and Bath) – Works with offenders and ex-offenders, providing mentoring and volunteer placements to rebuild their confidence and skills.
https://www.step-together.org.uk/

Sacro (Scotland-wide) – Offers tailored support to prevent reoffending, including mentoring and housing advice.
https://www.sacro.org.uk/

Northern Ireland Alternatives (Belfast and Derry/Londonderry) – A restorative justice organization that supports individuals reintegrating into the community.

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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.
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📧 Email: podcasts@prison.radio
✉️ Write: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF
🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/