For Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, The Prison Phoenix Trust launched Give it 10 — a simple, effective yoga and mindfulness challenge for people in custody. The idea? Just 10 minutes a day for 7 days to support mental wellbeing.
Two thirds of people serving prison sentences report mental health struggles. According to an NHS study, more than half have self-harmed. And tragically, in 2025 nearly 100 died by suicide.
The relationship between mental health and crime is complex, but evidence suggests that improving mental health both in prisno and on release is associated with reduced probability or reoffending.
The Prison Phoenix Trust’s yoga challenge for mental health in 2025 was a hit, with 124 prisons and justice organisations across the UK and Ireland taking part. Prisoners and staff alike found it easy to access and genuinely helpful — especially for those new to yoga.
Feedback from Inside
“The yoga challenge helped me get rid of my depressed mood and feelings of worthlessness and helplessness.” Mohammed
“I’m locked up 22 hours a day… I need to do something to help my mental health and body.” – Prisoner, HMP Winchester
“They all gave it a try… Would love classes but due to funding we cannot.” – Neurodiversity Manager, HMP Lincoln
“They really enjoyed having different material to use.” – Officer, HMP Wymott
A Lasting Impact
Though designed for Mental Health Awareness Week, Give it 10 can be run any time of year. It’s an easy, low-resource way to bring yoga and mindfulness into prisons – helping people feel calmer, more focused, and more in control.
One in 4 people who requested these starter packs went on to ask for more support, requesting further yoga resources or individual help from one of The PPT’s mentors. This way we’re supporting mental health in prison, one yoga pose at a time.
What’s in the Pack?
Each Give it 10 pack includes:
- 7 short daily yoga handouts
- A tick-off calendar to build the habit
- Posters and flyers to promote the challenge
- Guidance for group or in-cell use
It’s designed to be flexible and beginner-friendly — ideal for anyone who’s unsure about yoga or looking for a gentle way to support their mental health.