Unlocking potential: Kelly’s journey to a fresh start at Superdrug

Sodexo launched Starting Fresh to help more people with convictions find work and give businesses with vacancies the practical advice they need to employ ex-offenders.

Kelly's journey shows how the training and support provided at HMP Bronzefield combined with the help she had from agencies working in partnership with employers like Superdrug, paved the way for a new career and a fresh start after her release.

Kelly’s starting fresh journey  

Kelly had been in and out of prison many times for drug related offences but on her fourth stay at HMP Bronzefield, she found her confidence, took action, and secured not only employment but also accommodation on release. 

At HMP Bronzefield, Kelly used her time wisely and signed up for every opportunity open to her. To name a few, she completed Level 2 hairdressing, Level 2 barbering, Level 2 in beauty, plus sports and fitness, and customer services courses.  She also achieved Level 3 Award in education and training, Level 1 in employability skills and Level 3 in advice and guidance so she could also support other prisoners while in prison.  

Seizing employment opportunities  

She felt ready for employment on release but needed to build up her confidence and get practice at job interviews. At part of Sodexo’s Starting Fresh initiative, the Prison Employment Lead (PEL) at Bronzefield arranged for different organisations to come into the prison to meet potential candidates for their job vacancies. But when Superdrug came in and spoke about their ‘gold stores’ which offer hair, barbering and beauty services, Kelly saw a potential future for her. The PEL kept Superdrug and Kelly in touch and when Kelly was released, she was invited to an interview and trades test. She needed a model to demonstrate her hairdressing skills on, so the PEL kindly volunteered to have her hair cut and blow dried and Kelly was instantly offered a position as a Senior Stylist. 

Building a promising future in employment 

It’s coming up to Kelly’s three-month probation period with Superdrug. She is building up her client base, working more hours, attending training in store including how to operate the tills and longer term, she is hoping for a managerial position. 

A supportive ecosystem after prison

In the prison, the Learning and Skills team, PEL, and offender management team have been with her every step of the way. On the outside, HMP Bronzefield’s local church, St Hilda’s and their empowerment workers keep in regular contact with her. 

The Atos ANTZ mentoring programme provides a business funded mentoring programme that gives person-centred support pre and post release. Kelly was matched to a business mentor who supported her with work clothes, an electric blanket, and travel costs for the first six weeks of employment.  

Alongside the business mentoring, the ANTZ Digital lifeline programme provided Kelly with connectivity and a smart phone on release which enabled her to stay in contact with her mentor and access additional support services and employment.  

Partnership and cross collaboration engagement, with a common goal for supporting Kelly’s rehabilitation has made this such a success story and a great example of social impact. 

Kelly says, 

“I knew I was a good hairdresser in the prison, in my ‘safe space’ but I wasn’t sure how I’d cope on the outside. The support network offered to me that I have taken up has been amazing.  I've not had the best of life, luck, or support.  I just needed some help and encouragement and someone to believe in me and Bronzefield gave me that.  I owe a lot to Bronzefield and to all of those that stuck by me and supported me. If I can do it, anyone can.” 

When asked what advice she would give other prisoners, Kelly said, 

“Sign up for everything on offer at the prison, get involved and try something new as you never know where it may lead or what you might enjoy and be good at. Make the most of your time and the opportunities in prison.” 

Empowering second chances and fresh starts 

Kelly's journey from prison to employment highlights the transformative impact of initiatives such as Starting Fresh and business-led support like the Atos ANTZ mentor programme. 

Find out more about Starting Fresh, which encourages businesses to hire people with criminal convictions employment on release from prison and ANTZ who support businesses do business differently.