Employment Pathways
Supporting individuals to become job-ready, build confidence and access employers willing to see potential beyond a criminal record.
A developing UK non-profit
Breaking Cycles.
Building Futures.
Helping people move from prison to purpose through practical training, employment pathways, enterprise opportunities, mentoring and motivation.
Breaking Cycles is a developing non-profit organisation working towards charitable registration.
The Problem
The cycle does not end at the prison gate.
Too many people leave prison determined to change, but return to communities facing barriers to employment, housing, confidence, support and opportunity. Without practical pathways forward, old environments and old patterns can pull people back into the same cycle.
37.5%
of adults released from custody or starting court orders had a proven reoffending rate.
66%
of adults released from custodial sentences of less than 12 months had a proven reoffending rate.
Employment matters
Prison leavers in full-time employment are around 10 percentage points less likely to reoffend.
Sources: Ministry of Justice / UK Government statistics.
Our Mission
From prison
to purpose.
Our mission is to help people break the cycles that have held them back and build sustainable, positive futures.
We believe that people are more than their past. With practical support, meaningful opportunity and the right environment, lives can be rebuilt.
Opportunity
Open doors that were once closed.
Skills
Practical tools for real-world progress.
Purpose
Rediscovering direction and dignity.
Community
Belonging that supports change.
Our Unique Method
The Breaking Cycles Method.
- 01
Reset
Creating space for reflection, responsibility and a new direction.
- 02
Rebuild
Strengthening confidence, mindset, identity and practical life skills.
- 03
Equip
Providing training, employability support and hands-on development.
- 04
Connect
Linking individuals with mentors, employers, training providers and opportunity.
- 05
Thrive
Supporting sustainable work, business ideas, positive networks and long-term progress.
We do not just talk about change. We help people build it.
What We Do
Practical pathways. Real outcomes.
Enterprise & Business
Helping people explore self-employment, business ideas and income-building opportunities.
Practical Skills Training
Hands-on development that equips people with useful, transferable skills.
Mentoring & Motivation
Personal guidance, encouragement and accountability from people who understand the journey.
Personal Development
Support with confidence, mindset, communication, goal-setting and life direction.
Community Reintegration
Helping people reconnect with positive networks, opportunity and a sense of belonging.
Hands-on training.
Lives rebuilt in real time.
Who We Support
Who Breaking Cycles is for.
01
People currently in prison preparing for release
02
Prison leavers rebuilding their lives
03
People on probation
04
Individuals at risk of reoffending
05
People affected by gang involvement, addiction, poverty or exclusion
06
Families and communities impacted by repeat offending
Founder's Story
Created from lived experience.
Breaking Cycles was founded by Agos Youngsam, whose journey from prison to purpose now shapes the heart of this work.
As sole founder, he brings lived credibility, practical insight and a clear belief that real change happens when opportunity meets support, structure and hope.
His story, also shared through Breaking Cycles: From Prison to Purpose, gives people a glimpse of what this movement stands for.
The Book
Breaking Cycles:
From Prison to Purpose.
A true life story of one man's journey through transformation, resilience and the hard-won rebuilding of a life beyond the labels of the past.
Available now from Amazon and Waterstones.
Partner With Us
Change becomes possible when opportunity meets belief.
We are building relationships with employers, training providers, prisons, probation services, local authorities, community organisations and supporters who want to create meaningful second chances.
Employers
Open roles to people ready for a second chance.
Training Providers
Deliver skills that unlock futures.
Prisons & Probation
Through-the-gate continuity of support.
Funders & Communities
Resource transformation at scale.
Get Support
Ready to break the cycle?
If you are in prison, leaving prison, on probation or trying to rebuild your life, Breaking Cycles may be able to support you or connect you with the right opportunities.