From Prison Cell to Three Peaks Challenge: Portsmouth man turns his past into a force for good

A Portsmouth man who rebuilt his life after serving over two and a half years in prison is now using his lived experience to support others — and has just completed the UK National Three Peaks Challenge as part of his mission to inspire hope, resilience, and recovery.

Three years ago, Rob Prior was sitting in a prison cell, separated from his partner and children and facing the consequences of choices that had cost him the moments many people take for granted. Instead of allowing prison to define him, Rob made a decision: he would use the time to learn, grow, and prepare for a different future.

Today, he is the founder of the Sidekick Initiative, a Portsmouth‑based non‑profit focused on mental health, recovery, and community connection. He has completed major endurance challenges, speaks publicly about mental health, and is preparing to run 72 miles in 72 hours this June to raise awareness around suicide prevention and the importance of reaching out for support.

A Journey of Accountability and Transformation

During his time in custody, Rob committed himself to education and personal development. He gained qualifications in English and Maths, completed the TQUK Level 3 Award in Education and Training, became a qualified Peer Mentor, and undertook training in Drug Awareness, Recovery, Safeguarding, Mental Health Awareness, and Speaker Development.

He went on to work as an Education Mentor, Neurodiversity Mentor, Recovery Mentor, and SMS Wing Mentor — supporting prisoners struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, low confidence, and the realities of life behind bars.

Rather than simply serving time, Rob used that time to rebuild the foundations of his life.

Since his release, Rob has continued to channel his experience into helping others. Through Sidekick Initiative, founded in 2019, he now provides lived‑experience mentoring, wellbeing support, community walks, fitness activities, motivational talks, and practical support for people facing challenges with their mental health, addiction, confidence, or life circumstances.

The organisation operates under a simple philosophy: Real Support. Real Conversations.

In recent months, Rob has:

• Completed the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge

• Completed the UK National Three Peaks Challenge

• Spoken at mental health and wellbeing events across Hampshire

• Worked alongside charities, recovery organisations, NHS staff, schools, councillors, prisons, and community groups

• Appeared on radio interviews promoting mental health awareness

• Continued mentoring people using his lived experience of addiction, recovery, prison, and rebuilding life

The Three Peaks Challenge proved to be one of Rob’s toughest tests — battling freezing temperatures, strong winds, exhaustion, and more than 36 hours without sleep. But for Rob, the challenge represented far more than climbing mountains.

“It symbolised rebuilding a life, one step at a time,” he said.

From 18–21 June 2026, Rob will run four miles every four hours for 72 hours for his next challenge. This challenge is not about fundraising — it is about sparking conversations, encouraging people to check in on one another, and reminding those who may be struggling that they are not alone.

Rob said: “The hardest part wasn’t prison itself — it was being away from my partner and children for over two and a half years. I made a promise to myself that when I got home, I would build something positive from everything I’d been through. I can’t change the mistakes I’ve made, but I can use them to help someone else avoid making the same ones.

"Sidekick Initiative isn’t about money or recognition. It’s about helping people realise that no matter where they’ve been, their story isn’t over. If my journey helps one person believe they can turn their life around or ask for help, then it’s all been worth it.”

Founded in 2019, Sidekick Initiative is a Portsmouth‑based non‑profit organisation focused on mental health awareness, recovery support, mentoring, wellbeing, and reducing isolation through lived experience and real conversations.

Website: www.sidekickinitiative.org