Lockdown conditions for our prisoners are barbaric and inhumane. Two weeks isolation banged up 23 hours a day would have made sense and we would have been overflowing with gratitude for HMPPS for protecting our loved ones.
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How to love a prisoner. Part One Visits.
The highlight of the month, without question, is visiting your loved one, even if you only get half an hour, in a face mask, two metres away with no snogging, groping or cuddling. Visits are the most precious and the most important dates in your diary. Living from visit to visit means it's not unusual … Continue reading How to love a prisoner. Part One Visits.
Why my message is clear! – #WhatCanBe
My hobby, and other passion, as an organised crime historian, began whilst I was still a child, many years ago. It was a passion that became a dream which became a goal. Because of the power and beauty of the education I received as a resident in many of our majesty's detention centres, youth custody … Continue reading Why my message is clear! – #WhatCanBe
How to make the best of your transferable prison skills
If only some employers would look beyond the DBS Enhanced Checks and base their recruitment on the skills, knowledge and experience of each candidate. We would soon see employers climbing over each other to employ people who've been in prison. Can you imagine a world where you are given a job on merit, based on … Continue reading How to make the best of your transferable prison skills
Castle Huntly revisited
In A reflection of Perth et al. I detailed the history of HMP Perth in Scotland. In this blog, I will look back at the history of HMP Castle Huntly, which among other uses over several centuries was a former probationary school for girls, a borstal for boys and a young offenders' institution. In 1452, during … Continue reading Castle Huntly revisited
Why did I choose to go on hunger strike?
*TRIGGER WARNING* - I discuss mental health and suicide in this blog. In a comment to a post, I replied with the following: "Knowing oneself is a powerful feeling. Doesn't mean life gets any easier but it allows you to appreciate it more. The negatives in life, I've found anyway, only have longevity if you … Continue reading Why did I choose to go on hunger strike?
A tribute to Sir Ken
On Friday the 21st of August 2020, we said a sad goodbye to one of the greatest educators of our time. Of all time. Sir Ken Robinson. His 2006 Ted Talk titled 'Do schools kill creativity' has been viewed over 60 million times in 160 countries. It is suggested that his talk has been seen … Continue reading A tribute to Sir Ken
Rehabilitation is an attitude
I wrote a post earlier today which can be seen below as it is one that indirectly brought the term rehabilitation to the forefront of my thoughts once again. '#labels. Our priorities change as our years progress and I'm sure there's no need for me to list examples. #parenthood Over the last three years I … Continue reading Rehabilitation is an attitude
Ten ways you know he’s been in prison
"I'm meeting my PO & PSO at OMU to update my P-NOMIS, ACCT, ARMS, MAPPA and OVP. I'm down for HDC at an AP but I failed my MDT and I'm on IEP."
The Library
I honestly cannot recall meeting a bad librarian in a prison library. Then again, or one in the community. I’ve met strict librarians, but then, it was a prison library and some form of control was needed. However, librarians, especially ones who work in prison are worth their weight in gold. Imagine if a doctor’s … Continue reading The Library
