This week we’re joined by someone whose story really shows that your past doesn’t have to define your future. Raushia Coles spent years in and out of prison, struggling with addiction, relationships, mental health and finding her place in the world.
But becoming a mum became a turning point, and she went on to completely rebuild her life. Today, she is a counsellor, trauma specialist and advocate for women facing some of the same challenges she once faced herself. She’s passionate about changing the way we see people who’ve been through the criminal justice system, and about giving people the chance to change.
Useful organisations:
Advance – Support for women affected by the criminal justice system, domestic abuse, and trauma. They run women’s centres across London and help with housing, employment, and wellbeing.
https://www.advancecharity.org.uk
Women in Prison – Advocacy and support for women in the justice system. They focus on helping women rebuild their lives after release and campaign for reform. https://www.womeninprison.org.uk
Refuge – The UK’s largest domestic abuse organisation offering safe accommodation, a 24-hour helpline, and online support.
https://www.refuge.org.uk
The Triangle Trust - Fund small and medium-sized organisations working within the criminal justice system. Focusing particularly on projects that support people with convictions — including women and young people — to reduce reoffending and improve rehabilitation outcomes.
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.
💬 Socials: @afterprisonpod on Instagram and X, @lifeafterprison on TikTok
📧 Email: podcasts@prison.radio
✉️ Write: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF
🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/
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