I need to get over it.

I was recently invited to a Zoom debate on HMP Shrewsbury opening up as a tourist attraction and I'm dying to have my say. I politely declined at the same time, kicking myself for missing an opportunity. I'm a Keyboard Warrior with a fear of ‘peopling’, or to use the correct term I've got chronic agoraphobia and … Continue reading I need to get over it.

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

In-career-ceration

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

A reflection of Perth et al.

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.

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!!!!!!

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?