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The Prison Phoenix Trust

@prisonphoenix.bsky.social
43 followers 37 following 65 posts

Bringing yoga and meditation into prisons in the UK and Ireland since 1988. For rehabilitation, healing and hope.

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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
Holding in our hearts everyone living and working in prison over Christmas. our office is closed until 2nd January. We look forward to returning refreshed and renewed in the new year to build a community of hope and healing in 2026.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Remembering today our much-missed patron Benjamin Zephaniah who died on this day 2023. We send our love and thanks to his widow Qian, who is continuing his work, building a legacy of peace and connection.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Yvonne is one of 37 volunteers who carry out much of the work of The Prison Phoenix Trust, offering yoga, meditation, kindness and hope to people who reach out for help from prison. Read more about our award-winners: www.theppt.org.uk/2025/09/16/b... #InternationalVolunteerDay
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
For many people in prison, winter can be the hardest time of year. But with yoga, meditation, and kind words of encouragement, The PPT helps people reconnect with a sense of peace and purpose - even behind prison walls. Please help our winter appeal: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ppt...
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
It's thanks to the kindness of supporters of The Prison Phoenix Trust that people in prison receive a response when they reach out for our help in difficult times. In the last month we've mentored more than 60 people and sent a book, CD or DVD to around 140 people in prison. #WorldKindnessDay
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Christmas is a little way off but we are delighted to offer festive cards designed by artists in prison who are practising yoga and meditation with support from The Prison Phoenix Trust. Mixed packs of 10 cost £7, including postage: mailchi.mp/cecbc3b6a49d...
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Yoga and meditation is getting underway in 4 prisons in South West England through a new partnership between The Prison Phoenix Trust and Change Grow Live. We're looking forward to support people with complex needs, equipping them with skills to improve their own wellbeing.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
DEADLINE MONDAY: apply to join The PPT's highly-regarded training to teach yoga in UK prisons. Find out more and apply at: bit.ly/teachinprison
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Just a few days left to apply for The PPT's highly regarded training to teach yoga and meditation in prisons. Find out more about this life-changing work and, if you've got the motivation and commitment needed, apply here: bit.ly/teachinprison
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
From the darkness of their prison cell, people write to tell us of the love and light they find inside themselves through their spiritual practices. Wishing hope and healing to all celebrating Diwali from The Prison Phoenix Trust.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Starting to bring yoga and meditation into 4 prisons in South West England in a new partnership with Change Grow Live. We will be equipping people with skills to improve their own wellbeing and tackle some of the root causes of offending behaviour such as substance abuse and poor mental health.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
In our workshop for men who teach yoga and meditation in male prisons, participants share approaches to teaching trauma-informed yoga in a very masculine environment. It is part of the ongoing support we offer to the UK's community of dedicated prison yoga teachers. See latest: bit.ly/teachinprison
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Shout out to Emma for sharing insights into yoga & meditation in the criminal justice system at TedX Ladywood Women at the weekend. She did The PPT training in 2023 and is now a leading facilitator in the sector. Applications for our 2026 training close 3rd Nov.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Teaching yoga in prison takes dedication and specialist training, but is often the most rewarding work we do. If you're an experienced teacher who is motivated to share the transformative power of meditation and yoga behind bars, we'd love to hear from you: bit.ly/teachinprison
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
Have you spotted PPT ambassador Lisa in Remember a Charity's Week's campaign? #GiftsInWills #RememberACharity #PPT
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
🧘 For Recovery Month we're pleased to be starting the first of a series of 6-week mindful yoga courses in HMP Bullingdon. Trauma-informed yoga and meditation will help students develop practical tools for managing emotions and building resilience. 🙏 @_ocva for support for this project.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Applications are now open for The PPT's highly acclaimed training Teaching Yoga in Prison. Bursaries and payment plans available for this 80-hour British Wheel of Yoga course leading to accreditation as a Prison Yoga Teacher. Download prospectus and apply: bit.ly/teachinprison
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Recognised by prison services as a leading UK provider of expertise in trauma-informed, inclusive yoga in prison. Our British Wheel of Yoga accreditation course, Teaching Yoga in Prison, is highly acclaimed. Register your interest for 2026: bit.ly/teachinprison
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Don't let anybody who hasn't been in your shoes tell you how to tie your laces! That's why in our peer-support newsletter people doing yoga and meditation in their cells share advice and encouragement with each other. Anyone can sign up for an e-version: eepurl.com/hKxlQn
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
We've supported teachers bringing yoga and meditation into more than 60 prisons so far this year. We are specialists in trauma-sensitive, inclusive yoga in prisons across the UK and Ireland.🧘‍♂️ We're looking for yoga teachers with grit in 2026. Spread the word: bit.ly/teachinprison #prisonyoga #ppt
face of male yoga teacher in black seen through arms of men in grey prison sweats with in side-stretch shapes.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Great to run yoga workshops in HMP Ashfield last week - one for over-70s and one for people coming off drugs. We are looking forward to regular classes starting soon.
Two smiling women  wearing grey sports gear standing in tree yoga pose in front of prison entrance.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
⭐Our new report on the state of yoga on prisons shows a growth in demand for yoga and meditation at a time of huge challenge for prison staff - and the people in their care. ⭐ Read more here: www.theppt.org.uk/2025/07/31/s...
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Our Oxford staff team had lunch this week with patron and former director Sandy Chubb of the Oxford Zen Centre and our consultant, the Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, @ImamMonawar . It was a welcome opportunity in the middle of a busy week to pause, share and reflect.
A group of smiling people sitting around a table with fruit bowl and tea pot, with a vase of flowers in the foreground
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
We're hiring. Two part-time roles in our award-winning team supporting people in prison through meditation and yoga: ⭐Development coordinator (fundraising and events) - 3 days a week, hybrid ⭐Finance coordinator - 2 days a week in Oxford office Info at: www.theppt.org.uk/2025/06/02/n...
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Our time on BBC Radio 4 has ended. Big thanks to Jeremy Irons, Sue, and our 3 matching-funding donors for making this possible 🙌 It’s not too late to donate – visit our website today! 👉 Donate Now checkout.justgiving.com/bi12l5gnuu
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Last week Lisa, who practised yoga in jail, was part of The PPT team contributing to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sport and Physical Activity in the Criminal Justice System at the Houses of Parliament. She writes beautifully about the experience: www.theppt.org.uk/2025/05/23/l...
3 women smiling in front of railings, the Houses of Parliament in the background
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
People in 10 prisons took part in our meditation retreat day, a shared practice with volunteer mentors, yoga teachers, trustees and staff. "It's lovely to be in community & the men seem to really value this," said an officer where 2 prison wings took part. #WorldMeditationDay
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
It’s the last day of our #BBCR4Appeal. Your gift could be DOUBLED thanks to 3 generous supporters who have pledged to match donations up to £21,000. 💙 Your gift helps people in prison find hope & healing through yoga & meditation. 🌟 Donate b4 midnight: www.bbc.co.uk/appeal/radio4
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
🗓️ Tune in today at 15:27 for The Prison Phoenix Trust on BBC Radio 4. 📻🌟 Jeremy Irons shares the story of Sue, whose life was transformed through yoga & meditation while she was in prison. 💙 Or listen later at: www.theppt.org.uk/for-supporte... #BBCR4Appeal #PrisonYoga
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
We're so grateful Sue chose to share her story for a Radio 4 Appeal. With our support, yoga and meditation helped Sue survive a prison sentence, thrive and find work on her release. 🙏 If Sue’s story inspires you, share it & encourage others to donate: www.theppt.org.uk/for-supporte...
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
🌟 WOW! The response to our Radio 4 Appeal has been wonderful. 🙏 Donations up to £21,000 are MATCHED! So your gift could go TWICE as far in helping people like Sue find hope through yoga & meditation. 🙌 🎧 Listen & donate now: www.theppt.org.uk/for-supporte... #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
🚨 Join Jeremy Irons' Radio 4 Appeal today, sharing the story of Sue, whose life was transformed through yoga & meditation in jail with The Prison Phoenix Trust. 🧘‍✨ 🗓️ Tune in at 7:53am & 9:25pm or visit the #R4Appeal website to listen & donate: www.bbc.co.uk/appeal/radio4
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
🕖 One day to go! Tune into our Radio 4 Appeal tomorrow to hear Jeremy Irons describe the rehabilitative impact of meditation and yoga in prisons. To find out more and make a donation visit: www.theppt.org.uk/for-supporte... 💙 #R4Appeal #PrisonYoga #Meditation #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
More than 70 prisons are giving yoga and meditation a go this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek 12-18 May. Staff and prisoners are being invited to try 10 minutes a day and we've provided this free pack of resources to help. Thanks to The PPT supporters who make this possible. 🙏
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
🧘Looking forward to contributing to a parliamentary inquiry into physical activity in women's prisons next week. We'll draw on many years' experience supporting women inside to practise yoga for health, wellbeing and rehabilitation. An opportunity to help shape impactful policy.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
🚨 Countdown alert! Our Radio 4 Appeal broadcast is on 11 May. Hear our patron Jeremy Irons at 7:53 AM & 9:25 PM or listen back on BBC Sounds next week. 💡 Donations up to £21,000 get DOUBLED thanks to 3 generous donors: www.theppt.org.uk/for-supporte... 🔊 Help us spread the word!
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
The PPT joins the Catholic community worldwide in mourning the death of Pope Francis. To his last days he brought compassion to people in prison, the oppressed and marginalised — a testament to a life devoted to others. Image: visiting a Rome prison last week (Vatican Media)
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
☀What a beautiful day we had celebrating our much missed patron Benjamin Zephaniah. We gave away copies of the poem In-Exhale that he wrote encouraging people in prison with meditation and yoga and met some wonderful and inspiring people. 🙏 Be part of the change: mailchi.mp/9fc074bc2b19... 🙏
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
For people who receive no visits from family or friends prison can be an especially isolating experience. So we were glad to offer yoga and meditation to a group of 30 men in HMP Bullingdon recently, and with it some purposeful activity and social connection. 🙏 Thanks to all
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
We're recruiting new trustees to join the board of our award-winning charity supporting people in prison with meditation and yoga. Your expertise and insight can help make a lasting difference. We welcome applications from people with experience of prison. linktr.ee/prisonphoenix
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
'Reset and Recharge' is the theme of our Spring newsletter. It features letters, poems and artwork by people practising yoga and meditation in prison, which they give their permission to share as a way of supporting others. See more at: www.theppt.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Artwork Japanese style, of shoots growing against a yellow background
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
We’ll be sharing mindful yoga at this weekend's Quakers in Criminal Justice conference in Somerset and looking forward to spending time with a community committed to bringing compassion and a little peace to people in prison. Find out more about our work: www.theppt.org.uk #meditation #prisonyoga
Man in prison uniform sitting on a yoga mat, cross legged with hands folded on lap.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
🙏 Thank you to celebrity chef and businessman Levi Roots who is sharing his advice on how to stay healthy in prison, including meditation and yoga, with 5,000 people receiving our peer-support newsletters in prison this week . Read more here: buff.ly/4gXDRgd
Smiling Levi Roots wearing white shirt and silver tie
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Thank you to HMP Bullingdon for organising last week's day of activities for prisoners who don't get visits from family or friends. We enjoyed meeting staff and sharing yoga and meditation with you and residents. Hope to be able to support you with regular yoga classes soon.
The gatehouse at HMP Bullingdon viewed from outside.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Tune in to @BBCOxford's Breakfast Show on Wednesday to hear our director Selina in conversation with guest editor @ImamMonawar. They will be talking about spirituality in prisons and the role yoga and meditation is playing in supporting rehabilitation.
Blonde woman in black and grey-suited man standing in front of red background with BBC Radio logo.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
We spent a day this week filming at the home of our beloved patron Jeremy Irons, who was meeting trustee @sholasays and hearing from our volunteer Sue about her experiences of yoga and meditation in prison. Here's a sneak preview of some pictures... more will be revealed later this year!
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Thanks to James from Tiny Teahouse and Every Body Yoga studio in East Oxford who raised £400 to support yoga and meditation in prisons with a fundraising yoga and tea ceremony on Saturday. We love you guys.🙏🏼
A group of people sitting on yoga mats drinking tea
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Thank you to North Books in Hay on Wye who last month raised a magnificent £559 for The Prison Phoenix Trust supporting yoga and meditation in prisons. Special thanks for the poetry from prison read alongside poems from Simon Pettifar, and music from Steven Broom and Rod Paton.
Inside a colourful bookshop, man standing reading from paper, accompanied by man with viola and man with piano.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Richard, who learnt yoga and meditation in jail, is sharing his story of personal change for our Winter Appeal, raising funds to offer yoga classes and mentoring to many more who reach out for help. We think you'll be moved by his inspiring story: www.theppt.org.uk/2024/11/19/r...
Man in blue hoodie looking affectionately at cream-coloured fluffy dog.
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The Prison Phoenix Trust @prisonphoenix.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Thanks to the wonderful people at Vishuddha Yoga Centre, Oxford, who are holding a charity kirtan on Fri 13 December to raise funds for yoga and meditation in prisons. Information and bookings at: www.vishuddhayoga.org/workshops/ki...
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