In our work mentoring people with experience of the criminal justice system, we often see the deep imprint trauma leaves on lives. Many of the men and women we support have not only lived through traumatic events, they’ve been shaped by them. Understanding trauma and how it affects behaviour is not just a helpful tool for those working in rehabilitation; it is an essential starting point for anyone who wants to support meaningful, long-term change.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma can be defined as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. While often associated with events like violence, abuse, or...

Life after prison isn’t easy. For many people we work with, the moment they walk out the gates, they’re faced with a long list of barriers - stigma, housing struggles, lack of income, broken relationships, and mental health challenges. It can feel like everything is stacked against you. At The Reasons Why Foundation, we believe in a powerful truth: setbacks don’t define your story - your comeback does.

Everyone has a past. But what we’ve seen, time and time again, is that with the right support, people with lived experience of the criminal justice system can not only recover; they can...

For many people leaving prison, starting over isn’t just about finding work or a place to live—it’s about rebuilding a sense of self. At The Reasons Why Foundation, we support people in making lasting changes, and one of the most important steps in that journey is learning to set healthy boundaries.

Boundaries are about more than just saying “no.” They are the limits we set in our relationships, work, and personal lives to protect our time, energy, and well-being. Without them, it’s easy to get pulled into situations that don’t serve us—whether that’s toxic relationships, negative environments, or unhealthy habits. But...

At The Reasons Why Foundation, we work with people who have been through the criminal justice system, and one thing we hear time and again is, “I don’t know why I keep making the same mistakes.” Sometimes, it feels like no matter how much you want to change, something keeps pulling you back into old patterns.

The truth is, many of the choices we make in the present are shaped by experiences from our past, especially if we’ve lived through trauma. Whether it’s childhood neglect, abuse, violence, or the instability of life in care or prison, trauma leaves a deep imprint...

At The Reasons Why Foundation, we know that for many people leaving prison, anger is more than just an emotion, it’s been a survival tool. Whether it’s come from years of trying to protect yourself, feeling unheard, or carrying the weight of experiences that no one ever gave you space to process, anger can end up being the loudest voice in the room. It makes sense, when life feels unsafe, anger can feel like the only way to take control.

But when anger runs the show, it can lead to broken relationships, missed chances, and even more barriers to rebuilding life...