Unbarred: The Podcast
University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society: Unbarred
- 17
- Episodes
- 2021
- First episode
About Unbarred: The Podcast
A podcast seeking to provide rehabilitation resources to both those leaving prison and the wider community.
- Publisher
- University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society: Unbarred
- Category
- education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 3 May 2021
- Latest episode
- 25 Jan 2026
Latest episodes
17 episodes in the feed.
25 Jan 2026
The Arts in Prison
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of the arts in prison, and highlight charities and groups that are working towards improving the lives of prisoners through progams such as theater, painting and music. For more from the Unbarred project, check out our instagram: @theunbarredproject Leave a comment if you enjoyed this episode!
1 Dec 2025
Staying Connected in Prison
In this podcast, we take a look at what it really means to stay close to someone who’s inside and how families can begin rebuilding once they come home. We start by talking about the emotional weight of having a loved one in prison, such as the confusion, the isolation, and the way every small moment of connection can be crucial. From there, we go through all the key ways to stay in touch during custody, such as visitations, letters, phone calls, and video calls, explaining how each one works, what families should expect, and how to avoid common issues. We further explore life after prison. For example, the emotional challenges of reintegration, the practical barriers people face upon returning home, and the slow, patient work of rebuilding trust. We highlight tools that can help families move forward, open communication, boundaries, therapy, community support, and services such as Pact (the Prison Advice and Care Trust), CoSA, Bridge Support, and resettlement teams. Remember that no one has to navigate this alone. There are organisations, helplines, and communities ready to support families at every step, during custody and long after release. If you want to do some independent research, there are really good sources such as prisonadvice.org.uk, a research paper on the Effects on Children and Families (https://www.cycj.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Families-of-Prisoners-A-Review-of-The-Evidence-FINAL.pdf), and further research on issues close relatives experience with these kinds of situations (https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/media/fb1hkrti/serving-a-hidden-sentence-2023.pdf)
22 Feb 2023
S.3 Ep 4 - The Job Application process
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 In this weeks episode, we talk about the three letters you need to have when applying for a job once you have left prison. The first is a cover letter explaining who you are as a person and why this job is the right fit for you. We then continue our conversation from last week on developing a CV by talking about its value and how best to structure and improve it. Next we discuss the value of a disclosure letter and why disclosing your conviction is so important when applying for jobs. As usual we end the podcast with a prison success story. I hope you enjoy the podcast. Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
20 Dec 2022
S.3 EP 3 - developing a CV
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 In this weeks episode, we begin with a conversation about developing your CV. This episode looks at how you may have developed your CV as a result of being in prison as well as the skills that can be improved upon whats you're released. There is a talk on returning to education or volunteering in order to make your CV in the best possible state for when you begin applying to jobs. We then look at the modern job market and how important technology is to apply for jobs as well as other local routes to finding work in your area. Once again we finish with our new personal story segment. We hope you enjoy. Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
28 Nov 2022
S.3 EP 2 - Mental Health
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 In this weeks episode, we begin with a conversation about mental health. We look at the signs of declining mental health, different methods to improve your mental health and mental health specifically related to ex offenders. This touches on the topic of stigma and negative public opinion related to ex - offenders. We take a look at the Ban the Box campaign and its role in challenging stigma as well as how you can deal with any stigma you face. One situation where you may face stigma is during interviews. Therefore our final segment touches on interview tips and disclosure of your conviction. S3 includes a new segment on personal stories of ex - offenders and this weeks story relates to an ex - offender who is now a counselor challenging mental health and stigma. Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
15 Nov 2022
S.3 EP 1 - Money
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 In this weeks episode, we are talking about money and this starts with a conversation about universal credit. We will talk about how to apply for universal credit and the requirements in order to continue receiving those payments. This leads on to a conversation about money saving tips and how to make your money go as far as possible. The third topic of the episode is pensions and ensuring you have finance for when you retire as well as the impact that prison time has on your pension payments. We end this episode with a new segment that tells the story of an ex offender who has achieved their goals after prison. We hope that their words inspire you and are relatable to the issues you may be facing. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy. Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
2 May 2022
Unbarred: The Podcast - S2 Ep 7
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 In this weeks episode, we start by talking about holidaying while on license after previously exploring an overview of tag and probation in a previous episode. Then we engage in a conversation about how to find new hobbies to integrate into your daily life after leaving the justice system, and what benefits taking up hobbies can have. Finally, we end this weeks episode with an open discussion about money management and finances, along with various tips on where to cut costs and make savings in order to be in a good position to provide for yourself. Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
4 Apr 2022
Unbarred: The Podcast - S2 Ep6
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 In this weeks episode, we talk about two incredibly important topics relevant to those who have recently left prison. We begin our discussion by exploring recent technological advancements and the benefits of embracing new technology. Then, we engage in an open conversation about mental health and how it’s completely normal to experience waves of difficulty with your mental wellbeing. After a general discussion of mental health, we then explore some of the ways in which you can combat mental health issues in a beneficial way. Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
25 Mar 2022
Unbarred: The Podcast - S2 Ep5
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 This weeks episode revolves around the topics of education and disclosure. The episode starts by exploring what disclosure is, when you need to disclose a criminal conviction and how to do so. We then go on to discuss the various opportunities available to those who want to enter into the education system after leaving prison and explore some of the resources available to those who are interested in doing so. Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
17 Mar 2022
Unbarred: The Podcast - S2 Ep4
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 This weeks episode starts with an interesting discussion about your rights when encountering the police, and how to deal with certain situations where you believe your rights have been unfairly infringed. We then go on to talk about the importance of your local GP for your physical and mental health in your transition as well as how to register if you are not already. Finally, we end the episode with an overview of the amazing work being done by the Timpson foundation and the incredible opportunities that the organisation offers for those in prison, as well as those re-entering into society. Here is the link to the NHS ‘find a GP’ service: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
22 Feb 2022
Unbarred: The Podcast - S2 Ep3
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 In this weeks episode, we discuss the importance of building a community when you leave prison, mental health and ways of looking after your psychological needs as well as the stigma that can be experienced by those trying to reintegrate back into society. This week’s episode is a really great one, you don’t want to miss it! Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
31 Jan 2022
Unbarred: The Podcast - S2 Ep2
Hello and welcome back to The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 In this weeks episode, we have a special feature from Amy, a representative from Unlocked Graduates. Unlocked is an award-winning leadership development programme that attracts high-calibre graduate talent to work in UK prisons. Today, we will be talking to Amy about her Unlocked Graduates experience working at HMP Hewell, giving us an insight into the Unlocked Graduates programme and the benefits of taking part. We also engage in various discussions about reoffending and how these cycles can be broken. You don’t want to miss out on this one! Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
10 Jan 2022
Unbarred: The Podcast - S2 Ep1
Hello and welcome back to the new season of The Unbarred Podcast!🎙 The first steps after leaving prison can seem incredibly daunting, so in today’s episode, we will be discussing some of the key questions that might arise from people re-entering society from prison. These topics include how to find employment opportunities, how to access your National Insurance number, and how you may be eligible to access benefits for financial support. Who are we?⚖️ Unbarred is a penal volunteering initiative under the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society. We are a team of students who are passionate about rehabilitation and helping those who have been to prison to reintegrate back into society. Our goal is to provide you with readily available resources, including this podcast, a resource pack, and our website, in order to make your reintegration as smooth as possible. The Podcast team is constantly looking for ways to improve our resources and provide the information that you need. So, if you have any questions, enquiries or ideas, please feel free to DM our instagram account @theunbarredproject, or drop us an email at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
14 Jun 2021
Unbarred: The Podcast - Episode Four
Hello and welcome back to Unbarred: The Podcast! Today we have advice on how and when to disclose your conviction followed by a conversation between the Unbarred Podcast members on our views on rehabilitations and where we want to take the podcast in the future. This is our last episode of the season so thank you so much for watching and we look forward to evolving the podcast in the future! We’re a passionate group of students who are part of the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society, more specifically we’re members of the Unbarred Project. In normal times we would be going into prisons and operating workshops which focus on improving job application skills, sharing mental health resources and generally preparing inmates for life “on the outside”. Whilst we’ve been unable to do this in the current academic year, we have been able to completely redesign the project and present that information digitally. This podcast aims to provide people, ex-convicts and other listeners alike, with resources that will genuinely help to make that reintegration into society a bit less intimidating. The podcast team is always looking for new topics to discuss so feel free to DM our Instagram account @UnbarredThePodcast or email us at unbarred.uon@gmail.com
31 May 2021
Unbarred: The Podcast - Episode Three
Hello and welcome back to Unbarred: The Podcast! Today we discuss looking for work experience opportunities as someone who's just left prison, the importance of setting boundaries in your personal relationships and the fascinating detention system which has been adopted by Finland and how that has affected their reoffending rates. We’re a passionate group of students who are part of the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society, more specifically we’re members of the Unbarred Project. In normal times we would be going into prisons and operating workshops which focus on improving job application skills, sharing mental health resources and generally preparing inmates for life “on the outside”. Whilst we’ve been unable to do this in the current academic year, we have been able to completely redesign the project and present that information digitally. This podcast aims to provide people, ex-convicts and other listeners alike, with resources that will genuinely help to make that reintegration into society a bit less intimidating. The podcast team is always looking for new topics to discuss so feel free to DM our Instagram account @UnbarredThePodcast or email us at unbarred.uon@gmail.com Resources mentioned in the episode: Clean Sheet: https://cleansheet.org.uk/ Timpson Foundation: https://www.timpson-group.co.uk/timpson-foundation/ The Forward Trust (formerly Blue Sky): https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/ Bounce Back: https://www.bouncebackproject.com/ SwitchBack: https://switchback.org.uk/ How to set boundaries: I feel ... when... because .... therefore, what I need is ....
17 May 2021
Unbarred: The Podcast - Episode Two
Hello and welcome back to Unbarred: The Podcast! Today we discuss criminal record friendly employers, your rights when you encounter the police, and the wonderful charity Birth Companions. We’re a passionate group of students who are part of the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society, more specifically we’re members of the Unbarred Project. In normal times we would be going into prisons and operating workshops which focus on improving job application skills, sharing mental health resources and generally preparing inmates for life “on the outside”. Whilst we’ve been unable to do this in the current academic year, we have been able to completely redesign the project and present that information digitally. This podcast aims to provide people, ex-convicts and other listeners alike, with resources that will genuinely help to make that reintegration into society a bit less intimidating. The podcast team is always looking for new topics to discuss so feel free to DM our Instagram account @UnbarredThePodcast or email us at unbarred.uon@gmail.com Resources mentioned in the episode: Ex-seed list of ex-offender supporting companies: https://www.ex-seed.co.uk/recommended-companies.html Timpson Foundation: https://www.timpson-group.co.uk/ Birth Companions: https://www.birthcompanions.org.uk/
3 May 2021
Unbarred: The Podcast - Episode One
Hello! Welcome to the first episode of Unbarred: The Podcast, we’ve been working towards this first upload for so long and we can’t wait to hear your feedback. We’re a passionate group of students who are part of the University of Nottingham Pro Bono Society, more specifically we’re members of the Unbarred Project. In normal times we would be going into prisons and operating workshops which focus on improving job application skills, sharing mental health resources and generally preparing inmates for life “on the outside”. Whilst we’ve been unable to do this in the current academic year, we have been able to completely redesign the project and present that information digitally. This podcast aims to provide people, ex-convicts and other listeners alike, with resources that will genuinely help to make that reintegration into society a bit less intimidating. The podcast team is always looking for new topics to discuss so feel free to DM our Instagram account @UnbarredThePodcast or email us at unbarred.uon@gmail.com Resources mentioned in the episode: Mind resources: Main mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk (https://www.mind.org.uk/) Arts and creative therapies: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/arts-and-creative-therapies/about-arts-and-creative-therapies/ (https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/arts-and-creative-therapies/about-arts-and-creative-therapies/) Ecotherapy/importance of getting outdoors: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/about-ecotherapy-programmes/ (https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/about-ecotherapy-programmes/) Online communities: Main unlock website: https://www.unlock.org.uk/ (https://www.unlock.org.uk/) MyForum on Unlock: https://forum.unlock.org.uk/Topic29981.aspx?Keywords=hi (https://forum.unlock.org.uk/Topic29981.aspx?Keywords=hi) Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/339917956212849/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/339917956212849/) Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/key4lifeuk/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/key4lifeuk/?hl=en)
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