Ashleigh Nugent

Date: 5th June 2024

Ep 17

Ashleigh Nugent on racism, the hero’s journey, arts and the criminal justice system

Ash Nugent is a celebrated artist, writer and founder of RiseUp, a charity that uses creative arts to work with people in prisons and communities. In this episode he discusses his own journey from experiencing racism in the leafy suburbs of Liverpool, finding school unsatisfactory and uninspiring to becoming a disruptive youth and ending up in a Jamaican prison at 17.

His turning point came through being open about his love of writing, finding like-minded souls and pursuing an education. This all led to starting a CIC called RiseUp to help people who find themselves on the same path as he was.

RiseUp has a team of dedicated people who use creative arts and the Hero’s Journey to help people find self-worth and a better path in life.

Ash is an excitable, passionate storyteller dedicated to supporting others and I loved our conversation!

Links:
RiseUp
LOCKS by Ashleigh Nugent published by Picador, June 2023

Socials:
Ash on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Creative Health Stories on Instagram
Laura on LinkedIn

black and white image of Ashleigh Nugent in a circle on a green background with coloured logo