The Prison Phoenix Trust (PPT) continues to build its support for UK and Irish prisons, offering yoga and meditation as transformative tools for rehabilitation and mental well-being. With the recent addition of courses at HMP Liverpool and HMP Hollesley Bay, regular weekly yoga sessions are now available in 52 prisons.
New Prison Yoga Classes at HMP Liverpool
In April, HMP Liverpool began the first in a series of seven six-week yoga and meditation courses with a PPT-trained yoga teacher. Supported by the prison’s healthcare department, these sessions are tailored for:
- Older prisoners
- Individuals with neuro-diverse conditions
- Men involved in behaviour change programmes
- Peer mentors providing support to fellow prisoners
These classes are the first structured activity offered on Friday afternoons, a time when people are usually confined to their wings. This marks a significant shift toward improving the ability of people to use their time inside positively.
Positive Response at HMP Hollesley Bay
May saw the launch of four new six-week yoga courses at HMP Hollesley Bay, a Category D open prison in Suffolk. Within the first week, participation and enthusiasm were high. The PPT teacher noted, “It looks like it’s going to be very popular,” as people quickly began encouraging others to join.
Pictures by Andy Aitcheson of yoga in HMP Maidstone
HMP Maidstone to Begin New 8-Month Yoga Programme
Starting in August, The Prison Phoenix Trust will deliver an 8-month course of weekly yoga classes at HMP Maidstone in Kent. This follows a successful 42-week programme held over the past year, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both prisoners and staff.
Four classes per week will be taught in the prison gym by experienced teachers with deep knowledge of yoga’s benefits for mental health and personal development.
Testimonials from HMP Maidstone
Participants have shared inspiring feedback:
- “Before I came down with tension and my body is very tired. Then during yoga I feel relaxation starting and afterwards I sleep really well – the only night I sleep during the week. I wish yoga was every day!”
- “I feel good, relaxed and comfortable after yoga.”
- “Peacefulness.”
A staff member highlighted the programme’s impact:
“The sessions are very popular and effective; with noticeable improvements in individuals’ self-esteem, mental health, and social skills. The development of compassion, patience, and trust they are building through yoga is strengthening their ability to reintegrate into society after release.”
Yoga in Prisons: A Growing Movement
There are now 132 weekly yoga and meditation classes running across prisons in the UK and Ireland, all led by teachers trained or supported by The Prison Phoenix Trust. These sessions aim to reduce stress, improve sleep, and foster emotional resilience among participants.
In addition to group classes, prisoners can request:
- Specialist yoga books
- CDs and DVDs for in-cell practice
- One-to-one written mentoring with experienced PPT volunteers
These resources help support ongoing personal development and mindfulness practice, even outside class hours.
About The Prison Phoenix Trust
The PPT is a UK-based charity dedicated to bringing yoga and meditation to prisoners as tools for inner transformation, emotional regulation, and positive change. Their trained teachers and volunteers offer support across the UK and Ireland, working closely with prison staff and healthcare teams.