meet our team
Our team's experience of the criminal justice system spans over 5 decades, making us uniquely placed to offer support to those facing adversity after custody. With a strong emphasis on recovery from addiction, each member has their own story to tell others, in turn offering hope, belief, and courage that positive change is achievable
David Dunn
Founding CEO
David founded Release Mates after his release from HMP Preston in 2022. Before alcohol took control of his life, David enjoyed success in private sector business and after prison he decided to channel his skills towards supporting others.
As CEO and Founder of Release Mates, David is responsible for the overall running of the charity, ensuring it achieves its goals.
Away from Release Mates, David enjoys trips to the countryside with his partner, making up for lost time with family, and is a keen golfer
Abby Harland
Manager & Co-Founder of RMW
Abby's journey with Release Mates began as a volunteer while in supported accommodation addressing her addiction to drugs. Her passion to help others overcome adversity is without parallel, making Abby a valued member of the team which lead to her promotion to manager after just 6 months with the charity.
In January 2025, Abby became Co-Founder of Release Mates Women. Her first mission was a gargantuan 13.5 mile fundraising walk from one prison to another.
In her private life, Abby lives her life free from drugs and alcohol to the full, exploring the countryside and enjoying a busy social life
Graham Frost
Release Coach
Already a Director of Heart Shaped Decisions, Graham expanded his thirst for helping people in the criminal justice system by joining Release Mates as a Release Coach. Being on the front line of our Midlands team is ideally suited to Graham who loves nothing more than using his knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system to help others.
In his spare time, Graham enjoys cricket, and loves walking in nature - setting himself a goal of walking 70,000 steps a week to raise funds for Heart Shaped Decisions
Katrina Hanafin
Release Coach
Katrina is another who joined Release Mates as a volunteer and impressed so much she was promoted to paid employment quickly. Richly knowledgeable in recovery from addiction and the challenges faced by people in the criminal justice system, Katrina brings a measured and calm approach to the team.
In her spare time, Katrina enjoys time with her family, socialising with friends, and is often found in the countryside hiking over hills and dales
John Awen
Release Coach
John is an established motivational speaker to people in prison after becoming passionate about helping others. His ability to motivate makes John a down to earth and valuable asset to our team.
A keen author, John is on hand to go to any lengths to ensure the people we support get the help they need. To learn more, visit
John's website here
Could this be you?
If you would like to join our team, please contact Abby Harland abby@releasemates.org