The creator of a charity dedicated to equipping former inmates with job-ready skills remarked that their initiative has notably lowered recidivism rates and helped individuals reintegrate into society.

“Most individuals in prison aren’t inherently bad; they’ve just made poor choices. I’ve made those choices too—many of us have,” explained Stef Jones.

The projects under Onwards and Upwards include XO Bikes and XO Barbers, which provide training for aspiring bicycle mechanics and barbers, respectively.

Jones noted, “We’ve trained 186 individuals as bike mechanics, and considering a 55% recidivism rate, 102 of them would typically expect to return to prison. However, only four have reoffended. This results in a striking 2% recidivism rate compared to the average of 55%.”

In the year preceding March 2024, only 17% of people leaving prisons in London found employment within six weeks, which is slightly lower than the national average.

A survey conducted last year revealed that one in five employers in the UK would immediately dismiss a job applicant with a criminal record.

Jones criticized employers who refuse to recruit individuals with criminal histories as “misguided.”

Rather than attempting to persuade businesses to reconsider their stance, he opted to demonstrate that hiring former inmates can yield positive outcomes.

XO Bikes trains individuals to become certified bicycle mechanics by restoring donated bicycles, while XO Barbers provides training to inmates in HMP Brixton and runs a public barbershop on Blackfriars Road in Southwark.

“These are intentionally visible roles. That’s what truly transforms society,” Jones asserted.

Jae Walters, who started by cutting the hair of fellow inmates, is now employed at XO Barbers.

“It’s a joy to be here, beginning my career in this environment. It has allowed me to move forward,” he expressed. “This has provided me with a foundation to evolve into the person I aspire to be in the future. My gratitude goes to everyone here.”

Graeme Shepherd, a participant in the XO Bikes program in southeast London, remarked, “It has instilled confidence in me that I can progress and avoid returning to crime.”

Trevelyan Shonubi, who serves as an assistant trainer for the XO Bikes program, shared that his position provided him with stability following his release from prison.

“I’m simply grateful to be able to give back to others who have faced similar struggles,” he indicated. “If I weren’t doing this, I can’t imagine what my life would be like.”

Jason Koku, the assistant manager at the XO Bikes branch in Lewisham, described having a regular routine and feeling reintegrated into society as a “wonderful thing.” He mentioned spending nearly five years in prison due to various offenses.

“Once you’ve been labeled by your prison experience, it’s challenging to gain access to opportunities anywhere,” he stated.

Koku reflected that without the support of the XO Bikes initiative, he might have ended up “either dead or serving life behind bars.”

“I’ve made a significant turnaround in my life,” he stated. “Previously, I was immersed in street life, dealing drugs, which could only lead to dire outcomes.”

“Anything is achievable,” he added. “Establishing a routine is essential to breaking free from your previous life. You have to invest effort to reap rewards.”

Numerous other charities, including the King’s Trust and Nacro, also assist former prisoners in securing employment.

Additional contributions by Luxmy Gopal and Jess Warren.