PET awards brochure v6 - web

AWARDS 2017
Trudy Sketchley, Outstanding Officer 2016, HMP Swaleside. Photo credit: Ian Cuthbert/PET
1

Foreword, by Alexandra Marks CBE
Prisoner Learning Alliance
Chair: Alexandra Marks
Secretariat: Nina Champion,
Prisoners’ Education Trust
Members
Association of Colleges
Association of Employment and
Learning Providers
Black Training and Enterprise Group
Centre for Education in the Criminal
Justice System at Institute of
Education UCL
Dyslexia Consultancy Malvern
Education and Training Foundation
KeyRing
Learning & Work Institute
National Alliance for Arts in Criminal
Justice, Clinks
Open University
Prison Governors Association
Prison Radio Association
Prison Reading Groups
Prisoners’ Education Trust
Safe Ground
Shannon Trust
St. Giles Trust
StartUp
The Bell Foundation
The Forward Trust
User Voice
Contact:
nina@prisonerseducation.org.uk
www.prisonerseducation.org.uk/pla
Foreword, by Sam Bailey
It’s been four years since I swapped working
as a prison officer for a career as a singer/
songwriter. But I can tell you that working in a
prison is a tough gig, and one that, since my
time, has only become harder. One thing stays
the same though: outstanding people can make
that harsh environment better.
A simple hello, a smile, an effort to help or
encourage someone: these might seem like
tiny, even meaningless gestures on the outside,
but they become incredibly significant to
people living their daily lives behind bars. It’s
clear from nomination letters received from
prisoners that it’s daily actions like these, as
well as compassion and commitment over time,
that make a difference. Outstanding staff
and mentors have the power to encourage
people to take up education; to stop selfharming;
to stop taking drugs and to start to
see themselves as someone who is more than
just a prisoner. They have the power to help
someone rehabilitate, so they don’t commit
future crimes but instead end up giving back to
their families and communities.
Four years since I took a day off from HMP
Gartree to audition for a certain reality
TV show, it’s an honour to be back in the
neighbourhood to present the third PLA awards.
Congratulations to all the winners for your
dedication, kindness and resilience, and I wish
you all the best of luck for the future.
Yours,
I have been honoured to Chair the Prisoner Learning Alliance (PLA) since its formation in 2012. I was
proud that within our first 12 months, we published our inaugural report “Smart Rehabilitation”, in
which we set out a blueprint for prison education. We recommended that prison education should be
outcome-focused, joined-up and value-driven.
One of our own driving values is ‘excellence’. We have promoted this value through our annual PLA
awards, now in their third year. These awards are unique as nominations come solely from serving
prisoners. This year we received over 400 nominations from prisoners across the UK, from both
the adult and young people’s estates, in the categories of outstanding teacher, officer, peer mentor,
individuals, and the educators in the young people’s estate.
Each year, a small group of PLA members read through nominations (with a box of tissues nearby!)
and make incredibly hard decisions about the winners and runners up. Every single person
nominated receives a certificate and personalised letter, which a team of dedicated PET volunteers
work hard to produce each summer.
As I write this foreword, the news is full of the prison crisis. Those who work in the prison sector
have long been aware of the growing strain facing the system. So many of the wonderfully dedicated
people who fill these pages, who have made life-changing differences to so many - are located in
classrooms and libraries which prisoners are finding increasingly difficult to access. But despite rising
violence and other pressures, there are staff who have nevertheless gone the extra mile to promote
learning, provide role models and form positive relationships with prisoners: they are so deserving of
the recognition these awards give.
As I prepare to step down as chair of the PLA, I realise how far we have come during our first five
years. In 2012, prison education simply wasn’t on the political agenda. In 2017, prison education is
firmly in the spotlight as prison reforms, inspired by Dame Sally Coates’ landmark review, move into
action. The PLA is needed now more than ever to ensure that those reforms become a reality. As
we opens up our membership, we will be driving forward another of our values: ‘inclusiveness’, and
looking forward to welcoming a great many organisations and individuals to join our movement to
improve prison education for the benefit of prisoners, their families and society as a whole.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for their generous support
of the PLA. Their commitment to continue their funding over five years is essential, enabling the
PLA to grow in both size and impact at a critical time for prison education as governors take over
commissioning.
Heartfelt congratulations to all those who have been named in this year’s PLA awards, and I very
much hope you enjoy this year’s conference.
With thanks to
Sage Qualifications for their support
in producing this publication.
Sam Bailey
Alexandra Marks CBE
PLA Chair
2 3

Outstanding Teachers
Highly Commended
Teresa Rumbelow, Further Education
Coordinator, HMP Parc
I am astounded and flabbergasted that my learners have taken the time
and effort to nominate me. I do not think that I am really worthy of this
honour, as I believe it is the learners themselves that should be awarded,
as no one really knows what they can accomplish until they try. Very often
people just need a little encouragement to believe in themselves and to
realise that they have a greater potential within.
“I now look forward to
each day and feel an
extra spring in my step and
I have her to thank”
• Nomination letter •
WINNER
Roxy Ball, English Teacher, HMP Ranby
I decided I wanted to work in a prison because I wanted to make a
difference. From a young age, I knew I wanted to help people who hadn't
had the same opportunities I had. I also wanted people to recognise the
value they have. It isn't about a person’s past; it's about their future. I feel
that working within a prison provides me with the opportunity to make a
difference. I am supported by some exceptional prison officers and other
multi-disciplinary teams. We all work together as one team and this is vital
to help prisoners rehabilitate.
I think the most enjoyable part of my role is watching prisoners develop
their confidence. I have found that often it is their lack of self-belief
which is more of a hindrance than their skill level. I have found that
prisoners often mask their lack of confidence in other behaviours. I enjoy
the challenge of overcoming these obstacles. I feel that I am constantly
developing new tactics and materials to help learning be fun and
engaging. This can be anything from trying different shaped pens to write
with, to identifying new discussion topics.
Friends and family constantly ask what is it like working in prison and
I usually answer that no two days are the same - perhaps that’s why I
enjoy the job. The hours are long, but the days go quickly. I also tell
them that there is so much job satisfaction, for example, where in any
educational environment do you experience an individual receiving his
resources/books with a huge grin on his face - I think to myself ‘do they
realise how much work they will be doing?’, to the realisation that yes
they do - and this is what is making them happy! They are gaining a
purpose to their life to enable them to provide for their family and more
importantly raise their own self-esteem and respect. I am constantly
amazed and astonished by the levels of achievement and enthusiasm
these learners are able to accomplish, especially in light of the barriers
they experience.
Thank you to the learners again for their kind words and nomination
and thank you also to the team I work with, as without their support,
commitment and dedication, this would not be possible.
“Teresa works
tirelessly to ensure
that everybody gets a
fair chance of bettering
themselves and achieving
their potential in life”
Highly Commended
Geoffrey Sykes, Hospitality and Catering
Lecturer, HMP Gartree
“I would never have
been able to write this
letter a month ago”
There are so many positive and memorable experiences within my role.
However I think the most memorable experience to date is a prisoner
asking to take his work home with him on release. He explained it
was so he could help his daughter with her homework. This prisoner
had also been mentoring other prisoners within the class, as he had
recently achieved his qualification. He said the course hadn't just taught
him English skills, but had helped him grow as a person and develop
confidence in a fun atmosphere, and that being in the classroom had
helped him get through dark days.
“The
confidence that
students exhibit
as a result of their
journey is all down
to Geoff”
I am honoured to be recognised by one of my learners for a job I love
doing. I decided to work in prisons as a route into mainstream education
but after a couple of years of seeing the difference you can make to
people’s lives and the personal rewards I gained from their achievements
it was not a hard decision to stay. I feel very humbled and privileged to
help my learners engage in employability and life skills that will help them
on their release.
My favourite part of the job is seeing their learning journey from start
to end and by celebrating their achievements with a family day, meeting
their families. It can be very emotional but tremendously rewarding.
4 5

Outstanding Officers
Highly Commended
Ronnie Spence, Prison Instructor,
HMP Northumberland
“SO Price was
an officer who treated
me like an adult lady, not
just a prisoner”
WINNER
Wendy Price, Senior Officer, HMP Drake Hall
Senior Officer Wendy Price was selected as a winner in this category for
her work with prisoners at the women’s prison HMP Drake Hall. She was
selected as an outstanding example of how being an educator so often
goes beyond traditional learning, but also involves emotional support and
encouragement.
This is an excerpt from letter the PLA received nominating her.
“I would like to nominate Senior Officer Price, who is just a remarkable
lady.
I arrived at Drake Hall in September 2016, having been shipped between
five prisons in nine months. I had never been in trouble before; I was 45
and just not used to being in prison or how some officers treated me.
I was extremely upset as the prison did not want to facilitate an interprison
phone call to my now ex-partner. Senior Office Price sat me down,
discussed all the reasons against the call as the prison felt my ex-partner
had a negative impact on my life.
“Mr. Spence has
single-handedly
arranged for these
businesses to give inmates
like myself the opportunity
to work with them upon
release”
In the last three years I have enjoyed a new role as a prison instructor
at HMP Northumberland with Sodexo Justice Services. There have been
many instances where people in prison have argued they simply have not
been given a chance; whilst in prison or upon release. My aim will always
be to change that type of philosophy and to make the best out of any
given situation. We have done this in my work area by creating a positive
work culture - we have a real cross-section of people from all different
backgrounds and beliefs. We have had workers being taught basic English
and maths, all in the confines of a prison recycling yard .
We have achieved a great deal with a party of 18 in such a short time
and we now have workers assisting with bee-keeping and others who
have completed creative writing courses. We have been working on
employment opportunities upon release and have established links with
outside companies who acknowledge the experience prisoners have
gained whilst in prison.
‘Risk and Reward’ remains the motto in our work area, everything comes
with a risk but if you take the right path and have the right attitude the
rewards will come in anything you do in life.
Senior Officer Price and I built a relationship from that day. I would report
all my achievements to her. She continued to encourage me telling me:
“One day, you will leave him”. She was never judgemental.
After numerous courses and talks with Senior Officer Price, in March 2017
I made the choice to leave my partner.
“She continued to
encourage me telling
me: ‘One day, you will
leave him’. She was never
judgemental”
The knock-on effect has been amazing, I now have phone contact with
my children and social services are coming in to see me to discuss real
contact.
Last week I got my D-Cat and have put in my papers for open prison. I
am a [Samaritans] Listener, Shannon Trust mentor and Young Offender
mentor.
SO Price and I talked and laughed in dining hall this week, about the
frightened, confused and sad lady who sobbed in her office in September
last year. If I met me now I wouldn’t recognise me then. SO Price was
an officer who treated me like an adult lady, not just a prisoner, who
supported me through my 10 months at Drake Hall. She is a credit to the
prison service, an outstanding lady and officer.”
Highly Commended
Michaela Fennel-Hyden, Officer, HMP Stafford
I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated for this award. To be
nominated by the people you are trying to help is all the praise I need.
At the time I started decided to start working in a prison, I needed a fresh
challenge. After visiting the prison I thought, “I really want to be part
of this.” What I enjoy about my job is having the opportunity to do it all
again tomorrow, only better, because of what I learnt today.
One of my most memorable experiences was attending an award
ceremony for prison learners at Milton Keynes College, together with the
functional skills mentors. The mentors were able to see the results of their
support by watching the learners receive their qualifications.
“Michaela has
stayed steadfast
in her determination to
give residents the chance
to exit prison with more
skills than when they
came in”
6 7

Outstanding Individuals
Highly Commended
Simon Torrance, Senior Musician in Residence,
Changing Tunes, HMP Ford
“She has made
a huge impact on
my life and how I
want to live it”
WINNER
Governor Viki Sampey, Head of Safer Prisons,
Equalities and Decency, HMP Styal
When I was 14 years old, I told my careers teacher that I wanted to be a
'prison governor'. She laughed and told me I had a very long way to go! I
had seen an advertisement for the prison service graduate scheme which
said: “Do you want a life less ordinary”. I thought then: “That's for me!”
Everyday at work is different because of the range of people I meet. I
have been lucky to have some amazing managers who have given me
endless support, and I have a fantastic team. I have worked with so many
offenders who have shown me what true courage is. I have heard some
very tragic stories but these people don't give up and they turn their lives
around.
“Simon’s
classes give us a
few hours outside of the
prison mindset each week
and opens doors to a mean
of fun, friendship and
expression for the
rest of life”
I started to work in prison because I loved the idea of being able to use my
skills and passion for music in order to benefit others. Changing Tunes was a
charity that I felt that I could really support and enjoy working for as it means
that I get to teach music and form bands. I love it when someone comes to
my sessions having no musical background or skills and leaves with a passion
that will stay with them for life. I feel if you leave prison with a new skill or
interest your time inside has not been totally wasted. It is a privilege to be
able to work with people that others don’t get to meet and to see a different
side to prison life and the people in it.
Often I find that the people I work with inside have been told that they are
worthless and that they can’t achieve anything. It is so amazing to be able
to change their perspective of themselves and increase self-esteem by being
able to show them they can do something valuable. It is wonderful to see
those same people having the confidence to stand up in front of their peers
performing, and seeing their pride at the applause of their audience.
“I will always say she was
the first person to have
faith in me”
This was further proven to me last year, when I was contacted by the
governor of HMP Liverpool to see if I could help a member of staff, whose
12-year-old niece had a brain tumour. I held a meeting with the 'Decency
Team' at Styal – this is a group of staff and women [prisoners] who want
to make a difference. The girls told me they were completely behind me
and would do everything they could. I then went to HMP Liverpool and the
men said exactly the same.
I set a goal of £2,000 so we could send the young girl to Disneyland Paris.
The prisoners blew me away. Over a 12-month period they did not stop
baking, cooking, knitting and holding events. It was great to see two
different establishments working closely together for one good cause. The
staff got on board and a senior officer had her hair cut off.
We ended up raising over £15,000.
When she passed away, two ladies from Styal were invited by the family to
the funeral and played a big part in the service. This shows what a huge
difference everybody made to this family at a very difficult time. Without
the work of all those men and women this young girl would not have been
able to fulfil so many dreams. I am so proud of the work they did.
Highly Commended
Penny Nixon, Library Assistant,
HMP Erlestoke
Whatever challenges there are to working in
a prison, for learners the challenges can be
greater. I get great pleasure in being able
to help with a question, offer a book for
information or recommend a good read. If you
can get a reluctant reader interested in using
the library, or help a father make use of the
Story Book Dad scheme, or find a book that will
help a distance learner with his Open University
– this brings a great deal of job satisfaction.
Our library customers have only limited
resources and certainly no internet facility to
use. I help wherever possible with obtaining
books and printouts for their studying, which
includes items for “The Manor Magazine”.
This magazine is produced by some incredible
enthusiastic learners who are passionate in
creating a professional magazine with very
interesting articles, which is always a popular
read when published.
“Natalie
and Penny have
gone a long way to
building self-esteem
and instilling a sense
of optimism for the
future”
Highly Commended
Natalie Hylands, Management Information
Services Co-ordinator, HMP Erlestoke
I believe everybody deserves a chance to succeed and education is the key
to having choices and opportunities in life. To have been able to make such a
difference to learners is truly an unexpected pleasure. I’m so proud to have
been nominated - it has really put the cherry on top of my time at Erlestoke.
The learners who had decided to make a positive change in their lives, and
were working hard to give themselves prospects were truly inspiring to me.
One of my most positive memories was managing to convince a learner who
was totally disengaged from, and disillusioned with, the education system,
to not only undertake the diagnostic assessments, but to undertake and be
awarded an English qualification.
8 9

Outstanding Peer Mentors
“I was well
informed and inspired
by the way Oluseun
captivated the audience
and motivated us to make
the most of our current
situation”
“He shows positivity
which is infectious and
makes the wing a better
place to stay”
WINNER
Oluseun, Shannon Trust mentor, Listener,
Student Council Representative, HMP Maidstone
After encouragement from a previous coordinator, I completed the
Shannon Trust Training and the mentoring course run by the prison. I am
so glad I didn’t turn him down just to have an easier job: it has been the
challenges and the success there that have changed my life in custody.
This is my first time in prison so I didn’t know what to expect. I was
given an advice from an old timer to “just be yourself”. With that in mind,
helping people came naturally, so the more natural I could make my
situation the easier I’d hope my time in custody would be. Support comes
in many different ways in this type of environment, from a simple hello
to a newcomer to helping someone write a letter. To know I can offer
support and assistance to someone who needs it gives me a sense of
self-fulfilment.
The most memorable experience in my role as a mentor was with a man
who wanted to learn to write and read in English, but because of personal
problems it was a struggle. Understanding the situation he was in, I would
encourage him with activities and conversation that went beyond just
teaching. Two months down the line this man was able to write simple
letters to his wife. A heavy burden was lifted off his shoulders. My mentee
who used to be grumpy and unmotivated changed to the positive, I felt
fulfilled that I was able to help him.
I would not have gained this award without the courage and
encouragement from fellow peer workers at HMP Maidstone past
and present. My thanks also go to HMP Maidstone for all of my selfdevelopment;
I have learnt so many transferable skills.
“He also helps me
when I get stressed
out and want to pack
it all in. He makes me
see the big picture”
Highly Commended
Andrew, Peer Mentor, HMP Wandsworth
I felt extremely proud winning this award. As a prisoner myself, I know
how difficult and trying this environment can be. Every prisoner, no matter
how strong, experiences their own trauma; whether it be missing their
family, dealing with their case, sentencing or just prison itself. I work in
reception and witness first hand the fear and uncertainty playing across
people’s faces. So for me to be able to put myself in a position to help
relieve some of their difficulties and dilemmas is highly rewarding.
What particularly stands out for me happened in connection with the
tragedy at Grenfell Tower. There was a fellow prisoner who had family
in the tower at the time and was in a very bad way. After calling on all
my skills and experience I did my very best to reassure and calm this
individual down. After my initial meeting with this man I went to speak to
the governor, steps were made and actions taken to reunite this man with
his family at the earliest opportunity. The whole encounter touched me
deeply. I must clarify that none of this would have been possible without
the governor’s intervention.
Highly Commended
David, Maths and English Mentor, HMP Gartree
Being nominated for this award fills me with a sense of pride because
it shows how much my help is appreciated by the people I work with
and assist in class. I chose this line of work mainly due to the fact I had
some previous experience of mentoring whilst outside. If I am honest I
get more satisfaction out of helping people achieve something positive
than I would being in a workshop.
The best bit about this work is seeing how pleased or chuffed someone
gets when they solve a question on volume or area, when they point
blank said they’d never be able to do it. Also when an individual passes
their Level 1 or 2, the look on their faces when they show me the
certificate is priceless.
One experience that I recently remember is where a student who suffers
from dyslexia and dyscalculia was having difficulty in understanding
the questions, and because of this became frustrated and angry with
himself. Once his learning problems were spotted by my tutor (who is
superb) it became easier to assist him. Since that day his work ethic,
confidence and patience has improved to such an extent that he has
achieved Level 1 in English and Maths. To see someone progress that
much with some help from myself makes everything I do every day
worthwhile.
“His unique
appreciation of your
confusion, fear and
vulnerability will ensure
that same face is not one
you forget as you begin
your journey”
10 11

Outstanding Young People’s Estate
Jack Peters, Prison Officer,
HMYOI Werrington
I decided to work in prison after serving three years in the
military which involved going to Afghanistan in 2012. I left at
the age of 22 and wanted a job that I could transfer the skills
I'd gained and one that would challenge me day in and day
out. The prison service, especially the young people's estate,
does that and more. There are a lot of highs and lows about
working in a prison. When it's a bad day, it's a really bad day
but sometimes you will go home after your shift and know
you’ve made a change. I enjoy working in the environment
where you have to be on the ball 24/7. Not one day is the
same!
At Werrington we have a barista workshop where the youth
can learn how to professionally make coffee and serve
customers. We had a young person coming to Werrington
and it was his first time in custody. He started prison life
the wrong way as he was getting into a lot of trouble but
I, along with the Barista Tutor Tony and other education
staff, were able to mentor him. He ended up becoming the
barista manager in his class and gained his qualifications
after completing the barista course. This was a great sense of
achievement for myself and all the staff involved!
“He’s a rock in
all YP’s lives. We
need more officers
like Jack Peters”
“Supportive and
teaches us a lot
of stuff and he goes
the extra mile to
help out”
Daniel Rochester, Senior Youth
Work Coordinator for Kinetic Youth,
Werrington HMYOI
I use the phrase ‘’I have a loyalty to my environment’’ when
the young people ask me why I do this work. To me this
means due to growing up in an environment where many of
my friends and I were perceived in a certain light, and where
many of my friends have ended up with criminal behaviours,
in prison or dead, I feel the least I can do is try and
contribute to educate youth and practitioners alike to create a
better future for young people of today.
At a recent Youth Justice Board Conference I was exploring,
together with other practitioners, the relationship and
experience young black males have with the criminal justice
system. Beforehand I managed to get some young people to
write down their own experiences so I could speak on their
behalf. Some of the words were very powerful and alarming.
Even though the information shared was heart-breaking at
times, I felt it was positive for the practitioners to be brought
into the young people’s realities for a moment. I also found it
positive to hear from the youth as I don’t believe their voices
are heard enough when measuring whether we are impacting
on the realities they live in.
“Great teacher –
makes lessons fun, makes
us work hard but we
still enjoy it. He’s very
supportive”
Anthony Sproston, Barista Teacher,
HMYOI Werrington
I was delighted to have been nominated for the award. I
have had several years’ experience working with young
adults and children with behaviour and learning difficulties
prior to entering prison education and I felt that this was
a natural progression. I can honestly say that I enjoy my
work and no day is the same which makes it even more
interesting. The thing I enjoy most is the interaction with
the learners: assisting them to progress and giving them the
encouragement to achieve and aspire to gain qualifications
and essential life skills. This progression will assist them upon
release and hopefully encourage them to better themselves in
future educational pathways or in employment.
There have been so many positive and memorable
experiences through my role in the education department,
however to see a young person achieve, and adapt and to the
standards and expectations of the workshop, and be willing to
share that retained information with their peers, is the most
rewarding satisfaction I get from my role as a teacher.
Emmanuel, Peer Mentor,
HMYOI Werrington
Eileen Niklin, Engagement and Resettlement Manager, HMYOI
Werrington, says:
“When Emmanuel came to Werrington he didn’t really know
what he wanted to do. However, getting involved with the
Engagement & Resettlement Team gave him the direction he
needed. He did very well with his own education, learning
how to prepare his CV and gaining interview skills, and
gaining many Level 2 qualifications.
“He also dedicated himself to helping others, using his
position on the Youth Council to air other young people’s
views and to help bring change on the wing. He provided
good support to new inductees, promoting their selfconfidence
and helping them to approach custody with
a different mind set. His presence was always much
appreciated. He is described by his tutors as ‘a polite and
respectful young person’ and by his peers as ‘a good role
model’.”
I’m not one who seeks awards or recognition for trying to
help young people, but I am humbled when reading the
words of the youth nominating me for the outstanding
individual award, and feel proud that they view me in a
certain light. This award for me means I am building positive
relationships with the youth within the establishment for the
right reasons and long may it continue.
“Emmanuel the
wing rep helps new
people settle in and
feel comfortable”
12 13

Last Year’s Winners
Time to Learn – by Bobby Kasanga
In 2016 we held the PLA conference at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The awards were
presented by Jo Stevens, the MP for Cardiff Central and the then Shadow Prisons Minister. We
asked some of those winners about the impact the award had on them.
Trevor Latham, Outstanding Officer, HMP Parc
“Winning the PLA award made such an impact on me. It gave me the confidence to be more
open and express myself better within the programme, knowing that the prisoners themselves
understand that I have experienced similar issues to the problems they are facing, and that
I understand how, as absent fathers, they can still have a positive impact on their children’s
development.”
Ian Rampton, Outstanding Teacher, HMP Eastwood Park
“On my last course I had a lady who was in a wheelchair, with only has the use of one arm.
She was also in really bad place mentally. Whilst on the course she felt safe, wanted, and part
of a small family. A short time after she completed the course she self-harmed very badly and
nearly lost her life. She is back from hospital and has asked if she could sit in the soap course
as she feels safe there. This is what it is all about for me.”
Valerie Samuel and Vicky Dickeson,
Outstanding Individuals, HMP Swansea
“The highlight of our year and of our library career will
always be the nomination for the PLA award, simply
for doing our job, by the men we serve.
“It created a huge positive buzz in HMP Swansea
- the men were as chuffed as we were! The
subsequent BBC Online article took our
work several levels higher. It was extremely
gratifying because it normalised what we do
and made it accessible to the public in the
best way possible.
Vilma Smith-Yates,
Outstanding Teacher,
HMP Wymott
“Winning the award affirmed my belief that
education and skills are not only the key levers
for personal and social change but are also vital for
improved rehabilitation outcomes, positive personal
relationships and futures.
“The sense of pride and satisfaction has driven my passion and
determination to create new ways of engaging learners. One of the highlights
of the past year was the Festival of Learning which was led by the student council. This was
the first time that we did an event on this scale at Wymott and, although it was ambitious, it
provided an opportunity for prisoners to engage with the world of further education.”
You can look at me and say I'm a prisoner of the government
But if you look deeper you can see I'm just a resident at this establishment
I took risks, I gambled and I broke the rules,
Perhaps it stems from my younger days bunking off school
So I'm here now, ready to start again
Hmm but it's been a long time since I used a pen
But who will show me? And who will help me?
I want to learn new things but the thought overwhelms me
They look at me as if I'm stupid
What was I thinking? I can't do this
But wait, did they just say hello, was that a smile?
First time I've seen one of those in this place in a while
"How are you?" "Who me?" I guess you want my prison number"
"No, let's start with your name, by the way that's a cool jumper"
"Have you ever thought about further learning?"
"I have, but not to sure about the little I'll be earning"
"Just try it out, what's the worst that can happen"
"Perhaps it will be the escape from this place I'm trapped in"
Wow, I didn't know all these words when I started. The alphabet is amazing
To think I'd otherwise be in my cell being lazy
A is for Alphabet
B is because she believed in me
C is because he gave me confidence
D is because she was down to earth
E is because I felt encouraged
F is because he was friendly
I'm not going to do the whole list
As I'm sure by now you have the gist
It all started with a smile and a conversation
And now I believe I can further my education
Now I can put all my mistakes behind me
I was always intelligent, just needed a voice to remind me
There are many others just like me, who just need to feel that somebody cares
Now I have certificates that were unlikely, and to you this great news I share
If you're angry then I'll be angry
If you smile then I'll smile
It's only circumstances that highlights differences but really we are the same
Treat me well and I'll do likewise, by the way David is my name
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“Support comes in many different ways in this type of environment, from a simple
hello to a newcomer to helping someone write a letter.” – Oluseun, Peer Mentor Winner
The PLA gave its first call-out for nominations in May 2017. For the third year running, we asked serving
prisoners to tell us about the staff and mentors who made a real difference to their prison lives and
educational journeys. In the two months that followed we received over 400 nominations. They were
mostly handwritten letters, speaking of the compassion, dedication and positivity of prison staff. While
all stories were unique – the female prisoner who gained the courage to leave an abusive relationship
after support from a prison officer (page 8); the mentor who helped a fellow prisoner reunite with
his family after their whose lives were devastated by the Grenfell fire (page 12) – the same qualities
were noted again and again. In this word cloud (or word cup!), we have gathered the most celebrated
qualities. The larger the word is, the more times it was mentioned in the letters we received.
With thanks to all the people who sent us nominations,
and to the staff and volunteers who helped read them.
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