In previous blogs I have taken a very light-hearted look at David’s institutionalisation following his release from prison. However, there really isn’t a funny side to this blog. It has long been recognised and accepted that prisoners can become institutionalised. But a closer look at some prison staff confirms that violence, corruption and abuse is … Continue reading What do you mean institutionalised? Part Four
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Perspectives
Moral Panic Theory Or as I like to call it Media Hype Frenzy. Please take a moment to allow your mind to bring to its front our criminal justice system, although once I have finished you may see things differently in respect of how you see or even read things. The concept of moral panic … Continue reading Perspectives
Reading? Why?
I have spoken many times, and on a variety of platforms, about my role as a Shannon Trust mentor. When I look back on my time as a mentor, which I do regularly, I always have a little reflective smile to myself. Not just because of the wonderful feelings you get from giving back but … Continue reading Reading? Why?
Basic to Boardroom
Those days are passed now And in the past they must remain But we can still rise now And be the nation again So, why is this half English, half Welsh former prisoner opening a blog with lines from the Scottish Anthem ‘O flower of Scotland’? Well, first I’d like to introduce a company by … Continue reading Basic to Boardroom
A Private Education
I am not writing this to attract praise, far from it. I have that in abundance from those I choose to have around me. My inner circle so to speak. My reason for writing this and anything else I pen is more about highlighting #WhatCanBe rather than #LookAtMe. I suppose in a way it is … Continue reading A Private Education
Book NOW!!!!!!
Along with "if you can't do the time don't do the crime", the term "prison is like a holiday camp" are two phrases that if I'm honest used to be like a red rag to a bull and with steam emanating from my ears I'd violently type my retort. Nowadays though, I just snort my … Continue reading Book NOW!!!!!!
Keef Goes Undercover
When I wrote my first blog David had absolutely no idea. I don't want him to influence what I write and I want my blogs to be my genuine words, thoughts and opinions. Otherwise what's the point? I might as well just type up David's blogs and put my name to them. When he received … Continue reading Keef Goes Undercover
Where’s it all heading?
Bit of a long blog I'm afraid, however, I'd like to think the end justifies the means. I've mentioned on a number of occasions about how one of my coping mechanisms when things in the brain department need a tidy up is to be creative. I pick up a pen and paper and whatever comes … Continue reading Where’s it all heading?
It takes a village!
When we reflect, look back at history it provides us with an opportunity to not only see where things went wrong and learn from the mistakes but to also see what went right and to learn from the lessons. A part of HMP Brixton's history provides us with evidence of #whatcanbe when the local community … Continue reading It takes a village!
Prison cell-ebration
The image above is a screenshot of the slide I used during my TEDx talk at The Open University in November last year. Who in their right mind could turn around and say that it looks like an environment conducive to rehabilitation? That's because it isn't, nor has it ever been or ever will be. … Continue reading Prison cell-ebration
