3Pillars supporting Insights25 

Peter McIntyre

General Manager,

3Pillars Project

3Pillars are on a mission to develop the most effective sports-based mentoring programme for individuals in custody and post-release. Through the power of sport, particularly rugby, we empower people to thrive beyond prison by building emotional regulation, self-discipline, and a sense of belonging. Our 3Pillars make up the foundation of our programmes: Exercise, Education, and Ethos.  

Over our 8 weeks in custody rugby programme, The Rugby Academy, the players become a part of our community, developing in key areas such as leadership, self-esteem, empathy, and self-control all on the rugby pitch. Graduates of our Rugby Academy can then opt into our Fit For Future Academy where those still in custody can train to be Assistant Coaches to their peers on subsequent Rugby Academies, or they can receive through-the-gate support. 

Now we’ve introduced ourselves, I’m proud to say we’ve been invited to take part in Insights25. They’ve possibly gone one better by building on four pillars! Their ethos of Learn, Share, Connect and Celebrate resonates very well with us. It underscores the importance of collaborating widely and building a synergy across the whole criminal justice system which by fostering unity and partnership, delivers the best results.  

We are delighted that we were asked to participate this year, we wanted to re-focus slightly in line with the festival theme of “Empowering Our People” and perhaps see what we could offer in support of colleagues at a particularly pressured time. The ancient, but still very relevant principle of stoicism underpins much of what we are about and we’re looking forward to delivering a session which we hope will benefit everyone but particularly enhance the wellbeing of frontline prison and probation staff.  

Stoicism teaches we best invest our energy where it can change things, for example, our own decisions, attitudes, responses. Stoic practice offers methods (reflection, reframing setbacks, distancing from immediate emotional reactivity) that might help maintain composure and bounce back from the emotional strains we may face in a pressured professional life.   

For those working in challenging roles, this gives a values-based anchor: a way of acting that aligns with meaning, not simply reacting to events. Stoic practice encourages stepping back, assessing what’s truly important, and making decisions aligned with long-term goals and values. This supports better judgement, less regret, and more consistency. Stoic practices—such as reflective journaling, reframing negative events, setting boundaries (knowing when to disengage)—help preserve psychological resources. 3Pillars’ insights session will aim to offer not just theory but practical Stoic tools colleagues can start using immediately. It’s a chance for all participants to build emotional regulation, mental clarity, and a stronger sense of agency in a challenging and highly pressured working environment. 

Finally, we believe what we have to say is important and might be very helpful. So, I offer a heartfelt thanks to the Insights Festival for lending us the platform to promote our message and support our colleagues in criminal justice. 

Get your ticket – Stoicism in action: Fostering wellbeing personal strength and growth here and join us on Tuesday 18 November 2025 9.30am – 1pm at the The Nottingham Mechanics Institute 3 N. Sherwood St, Nottingham NG1 4EZ. 

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