‘A new sense of purpose’: how I went from running a pub to a career in prison teaching

Turnbull’s students don’t just learn practical skills – ‘we teach qualities such as teamwork, communication and respect.’ Photograph: byakkaya/Getty Images

The first time I walked into HMP Northumberland, I was apprehensive. Like most people, I’d never set foot in a prison before, and I had no idea what to expect from the prisoners I was there to teach.

I could never have guessed it would be the start of an unexpected new chapter of my career after more than two decades in the hospitality industry – one which has given me the chance to make a difference to so many people’s lives, as well as to achieve new goals of my own.