Responsibility: Discussion at Ruzyně Prison Shows the Way Back

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, a discussion on responsibility and reintegration into everyday life will take place at Prague-Ruzyně Prison, in the Řepy facility for convicted women. The event is organized by VOLONTÉ as part of the project VOL – Staying Free (reg. no. CZ.03.02.01/00/22_043/0001489), which focuses on supporting incarcerated individuals as they prepare to return to society.

The discussion will be led by a professional lecturer and a peer consultant – a person who has personally experienced incarceration and now collaborates with VOLONTÉ. The consultant will share their personal story, including challenges and mistakes, as well as the factors that helped them regain stability. These authentic, real-life experiences bring exceptional value to the session.

What can participants expect?

• Available options for cooperation with VOLONTÉ after release (courses, counseling, employment, housing)

• Practical advice from the work environment – how to succeed in a job interview, what to expect, and how not to be discouraged

• Examples of different employer attitudes

• Crisis situations and how to handle them

Peer Consultant: A Personal Story That Makes a Difference

The second part of the discussion will focus on the peer consultant’s experience with VOLONTÉ – how the cooperation began, the obstacles they had to overcome, and what helped them successfully reintegrate into society. They will speak openly about difficult moments – housing issues, communication with authorities, failures they learned from.

The event will conclude with a key message: every difficulty can be overcome if you ask for help and don’t give up.

The VOL – Staying Free project supports incarcerated individuals in developing responsibility, strengthening self-confidence, and planning realistic steps toward reintegration into everyday life and the labor market.

The project “VOL – Staying Free”, reg. no. CZ.03.02.01/00/22_043/0001489, is supported by the Employment Plus Operational Programme, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus.