An organisation, who's staff includes former prisoners, has been recognised for its work supporting those in prison. 

My Life won in the mental health education programme category at Business Awards UK at for its Unlock My Life project.

The charity began the project in 2021 with the purpose to transform mental health support within prisons and began working with adults at Hollesley Bay.

This was soon rolled out to the wider prison population. 

The already decorated organisation has added another trophy to it's honours list as it picked up a win at the UK business awardsThe organisation has added another trophy to it's honours list as it picked up a win at the UK business awards (Image: My Life) Through the programme, project leads, who are all former prisoners, reach out to those in the prison system by providing advice, helping with their mental health and acting as a bridge between staff and prisoners. 

It also combines an education programme called Brain Smart, hoping to improve mental health education amongst prisoners. 

On the Unlock My Life website, it says: "those who receive education and support are more likely to reintegrate successfully into society".

The team at My Life in Ipswich, from left to right, Phoebe Cheung, Kirsty Rennison, Cary Wilden and Danielle HeronThe team at My Life in Ipswich, from left to right, Phoebe Cheung, Kirsty Rennison, Carly Wilden and Danielle Heron (Image: My Life)

In UK prisons, the rate of mental-ill health is higher than on the outside, with the rates of self-harm and suicide also higher than those not in a prison setting.

Read more: Hundreds of prisoners in Suffolk released early, data shows

Unlock My Life hopes to tackle that and "empower prisoners to better understand their mental health, build resilience and foster meaningful connections with their peers".

The program was first trailed at HMP Hollesay Bay, near the head office of My Life The programme was first trialed at HMP Hollesley Bay, near the head office of My Life (Image: Google) Richard Stewart, CEO of My Life, said: "I am proud that the Unlock My Life team has been recognised for its hard work, dedication and passion.

"Moreover though, I am delighted about the recognition for this award-winning project, which supports the men and women in our prisons, who are too often misrepresented."

According to the organisation, studies show a link between the mental health of people who have been or are in the prison system and the likelihood of reoffending, therefore allowing people to reintegrate back into society.