LIFE AFTER PRISON / ONE PRACTICAL STEP

Starting again.
Still your story.

Rebuilding after prison can involve practical tasks, difficult feelings and a lot of waiting. You do not have to turn it into a perfect comeback story or solve every part at once.

By Mark The Diary. Lived experience and practical learning. Reviewed October 2026.

Choose the most useful conversation

Start with one practical area that needs attention: somewhere to stay, healthcare, documents, money, a required appointment or someone safe to contact. This page does not replace licence requirements, legal advice or instructions from your support team.

Try three lines on paper: “The task I need help with is ___.” “The person or service I can ask is ___.” “The question I want to take is ___.” If a task feels too large, make the first step simply finding a contact or preparing one question.

A free checklist to take with you

After Prison: First Steps is a practical starting checklist for housing, healthcare, support and rebuilding everyday life. It is general information, not legal advice or a guarantee of eligibility for a service.

Use a compatible PDF reader. Save a copy and reopen it to check your answers. Avoid putting sensitive details in a shared file or on a shared device. Phone PDF guidance.

Find specialist information

Unlock’s leaving prison guide brings together information about life after release and living with a criminal record in England and Wales. Follow its current guidance and linked specialist services rather than relying on a general checklist for legal questions.

Support and arrangements differ across the UK. Ask your resettlement worker, probation contact, healthcare team or local service what applies to your circumstances. Our support directory includes UK starting points and Scotland’s ALISS community directory. These organisations are independent, not partners of this project.

Build life around more than the task list

A familiar song, an ordinary routine or a private page can also deserve space. Try the free practice planner for one manageable action or the everyday enjoyment prompts. You do not have to publish your history to take part.

Mark The Diary comes from lived experience of addiction, prison and mental health struggles. It is a learning and reflection hub, not a supervised service, counselling provider or emergency response. Clinical care, medication, peer support and practical help can all have a place.

Stopping point: one question or one request is enough for now. If you cannot keep yourself safe, use the urgent help information.