Catch22Minutes

In this episode of Experts by Experience, host Nic speaks with Meg, Prison Delivery Manager at ⁠Kids Matter⁠, about what parenting really looks like inside UK prisons. Meg shares why her work with dads in prison is such a privilege and how Kids Matter’s programmes help fathers grow in confidence, competence, and community.Through honest conversations about identity, generational trauma, and staying connected with children, Meg highlights powerful stories of dads rebuilding relationships and finding hope - sometimes after years of no contact.A moving, human look at fatherhood, rehabilitation, and the impact of giving dads space to be heard.

In this episode of Experts by Experience, producer Jess Hart takes on the role of host as she speaks with mother‑and‑son duo Annette and Ryan. Annette and Ryan discuss growing up neurodiverse in systems that overlooked their needs — and the emotional toll on families who aren’t listened to. They share how mislabelling, masking and missed support shaped their journeys, and how one person believing in you can change everything.Their lived experiences inspired The Empowering Young Champions (EYC) Project) — a youth‑led, lived‑experience‑rooted CIC supporting young people to build confidence, resilience and healthier futures. EYC combines professional expertise with real‑life insight to advocate for young people, help them navigate adversity and make informed choices.Authentic, emotional, and full of insight — this episode is a reminder that listening, understanding, and advocating can change lives.

In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Katie and Tom from Finding Rhythms about how music is transforming lives in prisons and the community.Since 2013, Finding Rhythms has delivered collaborative music projects across 30 prisons, supporting over 1,000 participants to create original music, gain qualifications, and build confidence. They share powerful stories of how music provides a safe, non-judgemental space for self-expression, helping people rebuild their identity and navigate life after release.The episode also highlights Making Waves, their 10-week community programme in Peckham, where participants produce tracks, work towards a qualification, perform live, and access ongoing mentoring.A moving conversation about creativity, second chances, and the power of music to spark lasting change.

Women make up just 4% of the UK prison population, which means their voices and experiences are too often overlooked in conversations about criminal justice.In this episode, Nic and Mariam speak with Lizzy Jewell, Head of Communications and Engagement at Working Chance, the UK’s only employment charity solely for women with convictions. Together, they explore what it really means to be a woman navigating a system largely designed for – and dominated by – men.They discuss the unique challenges women face both in custody and on release, how past trauma and stigma can shape their journey, and what needs to change so that fewer women enter the system and more are able to break the cycle. The conversation also includes practical advice for women who have been in contact with the justice system and are looking for support

In this episode, Mariam speaks with Ryan, a specialist practitioner on Changing Futures for Westminster Council, and co-founder of a family-run organisation, EYC, that has already supported over 1,000 young people aged 12–25 experiencing multiple disadvantage.Ryan’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and family. The business he runs with his siblings is named after their mum – a constant source of support and inspiration – reflecting their mission to offer that same care and consistency to the young people they serve.He shares his powerful personal journey, from overcoming challenges in childhood to transforming those experiences into a passion for creating change. Together, they explore:✔️ The challenges of working with young people who are treated as adults in the eyes of the law✔️ The power of consistent, community-led support✔️ How co-designing services with those who use them leads to lasting impact

Nic speaks with Dunia, founder of A Life of Choices. After the devastating experience of her son receiving a life sentence following youth violence, Dunia channelled her pain into action; creating spaces to support people and families affected by the criminal justice system. In this episode, she reflects on:✔️ The reality of watching a young person get pulled into exploitation and violence✔️ Why families of perpetrators must be part of the conversation, not excluded from it✔️ The unseen impact on parents and siblings when a loved one goes into custody Dunia’s courage and determination shine through, challenging narratives, creating support, and driving vital conversations about how we change the narrative on exploited children, break the cycle of violence and reduce reoffending.

Today’s episode of the Experts by Experience podcast is tackling a topic that can feel daunting: disclosure.What is disclosure? When do you need to do it? Why can it be so stressful? And how can we make the process as straightforward and fair as possible?In this episode, Nic speaks with Rik and Darren, both of whom have lived experience of the criminal justice system and know first-hand what it’s like to navigate disclosure when trying to rebuild your life.Rik, who now works for Offploy, also shares insights from their newly launched Disclosure Toolkit, designed to support individuals and employers in making this process clear and accessible.Together, they discuss:✔️ The challenges and misconceptions around disclosure✔️ How it impacts confidence and employment opportunities✔️ Practical advice for individuals and inclusive hiring tips for organisationsThis honest and frank conversation breaks down myths, provides real guidance, and highlights the immense value of lived experience in the workforce.

In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Noel Moran, Director of Noela Yoga Wellness and Training.Noel shares his lived experience of custody and reflects on how the prison environment can affect our ability to communicate, maintain relationships, and connect with others. He explores the emotional challenges of custody – from strained relationships with family to the need for healthy peer support – and offers practical insights into how we can begin to rebuild communication and trust.Drawing on both personal experience and his work in trauma-informed practice, Noel also speaks about the importance of recognising trauma, understanding our triggers, and supporting one another through empathy, connection, and shared experience.

In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Noel Moran, Director of Noela Yoga Wellness and Training, a national organisation delivering trauma-informed wellness and training programmes.Noel shares his extraordinary journey from serving a 15 year prison sentence to becoming a qualified yoga teacher and founder of his own company. Along the way, he explores what it means to be resilient – both mentally and physically – in a custodial setting, and how the concept of post-traumatic growth has shaped his outlook on life.Drawing from lived experience and professional insight, Noel discusses the importance of self-compassion, second chances, and trauma-informed approaches, not just in how we treat others, but in how we treat ourselves. His story is a powerful reminder of how growth and healing can emerge from the most challenging of circumstances.

In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic sits down with Jacob Hill, founder of Offploy – a social enterprise supporting both employers and people with criminal convictions.Jacob shares his powerful journey through the criminal justice system, the inspiring individuals he met along the way, and how his entrepreneurial spirit led him to create a business that opens doors to employment for those often left behind.Together, Nic and Jacob explore the social and economic value of second chances – for individuals, for businesses, and for society as a whole. It’s a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of backing potential over past mistakes.

Nic speaks with OB about his experiences which led him to prison and what positive changes he wants to see in the system. In the Experts by Experience podcast, Catch22 gives a platform to the voices that matter the most—those with lived experience. Hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS), each episode explores different social challenges and reform ideas through conversations with service users, frontline workers, and industry leaders. This season emphasises the importance of lived experience in shaping better public services;highlighting real stories of resilience, transformation, and giving back. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, challenging stereotypes, or finding creative outlets, each episode provides valuable insights into the ways public services can evolve to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Learn more about our justice services here: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4fffCKW

In today's episode, Nic speaks with Carl (C.Roots) about the importance of creativity. This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS). Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience. Learn more about our justice services here: ⁠https://bit.ly/4fffCKW

In today's episode, Nic speaks with three guests on their unique experiences with stereotyping in the criminal justice system. This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS). Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience. Learn more about our justice services here: ⁠https://bit.ly/4fffCKW