PCC praises prison podcast scheme that sees rehabilitation through a new lens

Prisoners at HMP Leicester are producing their own podcasts as part of a new project to prevent reoffending and support mental health.

The podcasts are helping other prisoners to cope with life inside and are preparing them for what lies ahead once they leave prison.

It is part of a project backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews to aid rehabilitation and ultimately reduce reoffending rates.

Episodes are created from a new podcasting studio at the prison where prisoners learn digital media production, storytelling and problem-solving skills. The project also focuses on personal development and helps participants gain valuable communication and teamwork experience.

One episode featured a Q&A with the prison governor while another talked through what new arrivals should expect on their first night in prison.

The podcasts, which feature guest speakers, are accessed through the prison’s existing audio channels and in the future, project leaders hope to provide access to recognised qualifications in editing through the scheme to improve future employability.

Preventing and Tackling Crime and Harm is a key mission in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, with the Commissioner committed to diverting vulnerable adults and young people away from the criminal justice system to build safer, stronger and more prosperous communities and to reduce pressure on public services.

The PCC invests significant funding each year through his Community Action Fund (CAF) to tackle the root causes of criminality, supporting holistic approaches to crime prevention and reoffending.

Several rounds are held throughout the year focusing on the core priorities of the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan and support his mission to break the cycle of crime and harm.

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “The podcasts have quickly become a valuable platform for prisoners to share their experiences, build confidence and develop new technical skills. Participants are full of enthusiasm about the scheme and find a real sense of purpose in supporting their fellow prisoners on issues that matter to them.

“The renewed motivation, increased confidence and sense of purposefulness they gain will be vital for helping people to make positive changes to their lives post-release and will start preparing them for life outside of the prison gates, giving them skills that can be transferred to any workplace.

“The podcasts are creating a real sense of togetherness among the prisoners. They are also using the episodes as an educational resource to help them cope with different aspects of prison life. There is real potential in this project, and I look forward to seeing it evolve.”

The project has created a new channel for communication within the prison, giving prisoners an opportunity to raise issues and hear responses directly from senior staff. Importantly, this has already led to tangible change within the prison with the replacement of rubbish bins across the site following concerns raised through the podcast on safety.

Last year, the PCC formally agreed a multi-agency Prevention Strategy 2025-29 which sets out how partners will work together to identify and tackle the root causes of crime, anti-social behaviour and vulnerability.

It is the first time in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland that a joint Prevention Strategy has been developed with designated funding and resources to invest in evidence-based, partnership driven projects that make a tangible difference to people’s lives.

The strategy empowers communities to play a pivotal role in the PCC’s mission to build safer, healthier and more prosperous neighbourhoods, and vows to provide them with the tools needed to identify and deliver localised solutions to help people thrive.

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