Beating Time exists to help people survive a prison sentence and thrive on release. We improve mental health and build social inclusion in prison, and enable them to secure employment on release. We achieve this with our two proven, continuous programmes; Choirs Beating Time and Inside Job.
Categories
Beneficiaries
We tackle the mental health crisis in prisons and post-prison unemployment. Nine in ten prisoners face mental health or substance misuse issues, with self-harm rates at 852 incidents per 1,000 people. Many are among society’s most excluded—65% were excluded from school, 25% were in care, and 15% were homeless. Without proper support in custody and after release, the cycle continues. We aim to break this through better mental health care, education, and routes into employment.
We tackle this crisis through two proven programmes. Choirs Beating Time delivers weekly group singing in prisons, led by expert Music Directors, offering creativity and connection. Inside Job is our peer-led employment programme, starting inside and continuing through the gate with wraparound support. Established during Covid, it’s helped secure 703 paid job starts to date. Together, these initiatives build confidence, improve wellbeing and support lasting rehabilitation through music and work.
