Background

HMYOI Brinsford, a young offenders’ institution, faces the challenge of engaging inmates who are often hard to reach and reluctant to participate in educational programmes. Recognising the critical role that education plays in rehabilitation and personal development, the institution sought innovative ways to inspire these young men to return to education. The opportunity arose when Adz Khan, a motivational speaker with lived experience in the prison system, met Governing Governor Amanda Hughes during a panel discussion on the power of prison education at the Novus Foundation for Change 30th Anniversary in London. Following this encounter, Adz was invited to deliver a powerful seminar at HMYOI Brinsford.

The Event

In July 2024, Adz Khan visited HMYOI Brinsford to deliver a positive mindset and motivation seminar focused on the transformative power of education. The session was designed specifically for inmates who had disengaged from education, with the goal of reigniting their interest and demonstrating how education can pave the way to a better future.

Adz’s seminar drew from his own experiences of overcoming adversity and using education as a tool for personal transformation. His message was clear: education has the power to set you free, even within the confines of prison walls. Over the course of two hours, Adz spoke to 30 young men and a dozen staff members, holding their attention with a mix of humour, honesty, and compelling storytelling.

Key Themes of the Seminar

• The Power of Education:Adz emphasised that education is not just about gaining qualifications—it’s about opening doors to new opportunities and changing the trajectory of one’s life. He shared his own journey of transformation, highlighting how his commitment to education during his time in prison gave him the skills and confidence to rebuild his life. Adz encouraged the young men to view education as a pathway to freedom, both mentally and physically.
• Mindset and Motivation:Adz focused on the importance of developing a positive mindset and staying motivated in the face of adversity. He discussed how a shift in mindset can lead to significant changes in one’s life, urging the young men to believe in their potential and take proactive steps towards self-improvement. His message resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom had faced significant challenges in their lives.
• Resilience and Overcoming Obstacles:Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Adz illustrated how resilience can help individuals overcome even the most daunting obstacles. He spoke candidly about hitting rock bottom in his own life and how he used that experience as a catalyst for change. His story served as a powerful example of how perseverance and determination can lead to personal and professional success.

Outcome and Feedback

The impact of Adz Khan’s seminar at HMYOI Brinsford was immediate and significant. Following the session, it was reported by Governor Scott Hall that 50% of the inmates who attended the seminar enrolled in education and courses at the prison—a remarkable achievement given the challenges of engaging this population.

• Tony Winstanley, Head of Business Development:“Adz, I just want to drop a note to thank you for today’s event. How you kept everyone engaged and attentive throughout was just brilliant. I think you have set a Brinsford record for the least amount of toilet breaks in a morning!!! I would love to follow this up with future events. I know I have said this before, but you truly are inspirational, genuinely I have met few people with your passion, and I don’t think I have met anyone as energised as you.”

Tony also provided a detailed testimonial, stating:

“In July 2024, HMP & YOI Brinsford were proud to host Adz for a motivational and engagement session with young men who, for various reasons, had little engagement with a form of education. Adz spoke to 30 of our young men and a further dozen staff for over two hours, and he was utterly spellbinding. Adz takes his real-life, lived experience, and uses that to channel positive mindsets. He showed the young men that even though he had hit rock bottom in his life, he knew he could make a change and that he would change, not only himself but the perceptions of others. Funny, witty, engaging, compassionate, searing, and brutally honest, Adz was able to hold the attention of everyone for the full session. It was great to see people engaging with what Adz has to say. Adz can certainly talk the talk because he has walked the walk. The young men that Adz spoke to were some of our most challenging people to place into work, and as an outcome, some of those same people are starting to engage with what can be offered. The best thing though was the message that Adz conveys, can be applied to anyone, in any circumstance.”

Conclusion

Adz Khan’s seminar at HMYOI Brinsford was a transformative experience for both the inmates and the staff. By sharing his own journey and focusing on the power of education, Adz was able to inspire a group of young men to take the first steps towards personal development and change. The positive impact of his session is evidenced by the significant increase in educational enrolment among the inmates—a clear indication that education, when presented in the right way, can truly set people free.

Acknowledgements

A heartfelt thank you to Governing Governor Amanda Hughes for the initial invitation, and to Tony Winstanley, Scott Hall, Nicky Parsons, and the entire team at Novus – Foundations for Change & LTE Group, for their support in making this event a success. Together, we are creating pathways to education and personal growth that will have a lasting impact on the lives of those at HMYOI Brinsford.

Book Your Event

If your institution is looking to inspire and engage individuals through education and motivational speaking, consider inviting Adz Khan to deliver one of his transformative seminars. Contact us today to learn how these sessions can contribute to your efforts in rehabilitation, education, and personal development.