Rehabilitation is an attitude.
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
I recently read an article about prison and prisoners of which I don't want to say I was shocked or surprised by because that would be the wrong choice of wording to use. I suppose the best description, and I'm going back on myself slightly, would be that the article left me feeling pleasantly surprised. … Continue reading In-career-ceration
To celebrate becoming a director on the board of Starting Step I wanted to do, as such anyway, something a little different. I decided to do what I usually do and take a look back at one of the prisons with whom Starting Step will initially be working. It is slightly different as, although reflections … Continue reading A reflection of Perth et al.
I believe, that in order to change the misconceptions and negative perspectives, of which society has many in relation to our criminal justice system, we need to change the headlines. I was taken aback this weekend when I went to double check my spelling of a name before commenting on a related post on LinkedIn. … Continue reading Change the headlines!
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 3.
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
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?
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
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
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!!!!!!
