The Story The charity that stops prisoners reoffending
Dec 22, 2025
Daisy Eastlake, a political reporter for The Times, discusses the daunting hurdles ex-offenders face upon release, like banking and benefits issues. Hamza, a former prisoner helped by Switchback, shares his transformative journey from prison to a successful fitness career. They delve into the emotional toll of incarceration, the stigma surrounding ex-offenders, and how mentorship can change lives. Daisy emphasizes the need for systemic financial support and practical tools to prevent recidivism, shedding light on the important work of organizations like Switchback.
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From Prison To Fitness Career
- Hamza described how a fraud conviction and 16 months inside left him numb, guarded and exposed to violence.
- Switchback mentors helped him open up, get work and build a successful fitness career after release.
Prison Creates A Persistent Emotional Guard
- Hamza explains prison breeds emotional numbness and a defensive 'guard' that hinders reintegration.
- That guardedness makes ex-prisoners less likely to trust help unless mentors persist patiently.
Release Packages Often Set People Up To Fail
- Leaving prison hands people £89.52, temporary housing and no phone, creating huge practical barriers.
- The six-week benefits lag, lack of ID and closed bank accounts make basic stability and rehabilitation much harder.