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. …

Never too late

The image below is a post I put up earlier today. My comment doesn't really explain the post fully and there is so much more to it, so I thought I would write a blog and share my journey that I've been on with The Open University. I had convinced myself during the off-season that …

Spincarceration!

I don't typically publish two blogs in one day but sometimes you just have to allow the writing to dictate to you with no changes, ironic considering this blog is about change, had I saved this for another time I'd, with another hint at my past, make changes I shouldn't have. I'm sure that makes …

Beware the ‘Ides of March’

My Interview with Chris I had the good fortune of interviewing Chris Lambrianou for my first podcast, which discusses issues relating to our criminal justice system. We chat about his time in prison, reform, mental health and lots of other subjects. The link above is to the podcast, however, before you listen here is a brief …

www.What went wrong?

It's funny, I decided to pen this blog after listening to a friends podcast, I'll share the link to the podcast at the end of this blog. Anyway, as soon as I had written the title I was immediately taken back to prison and another friend with whom I spent a number of years in …

Sit-Down and Drop the Knife to Save a Life.

Most of my time is taken up campaigning for criminal justice reform, especially within our prisons. Rather than tell people what to think, I try to influence how they think. I do this by sharing my experiences and perspective from both the negative and positive aspects of my life.  However, in my spare time, I …

Beyond repair?

Earlier today, I was reminded by the fact it wasn't just the major things like studying for a degree in prison that had an impact on me. There were also a number of little things that created the same sort of impact. And, just as important. One of these was a television programme which began …

Reflection – What can be!

Regular followers of my blog and Twitter account will be aware of what an incredible year I have had. There have been some fine highlights along the way: A guest of Dr Lewis Owens' at two events. One was at the residence of the Lebanese Ambassador; where I not only met Terry Waite but also …

TON UP!

It is remarkable how things turn out sometimes. I am not only able to celebrate my 100th blog, but I am also able to celebrate, and of course, promote ; ) my debut book 'A Father's Son.' I have banged on for ages and will continue to do so, about the importance of education, especially …

Inspirationville

I wanted to write a blog yesterday about this experience, however, I became somewhat overwhelmed. Fortunately, I can count Michael Irwin and The Tartan Con as contacts and also as friends. It wasn't so much the advice more the silent understanding. So, before I begin I would like to say a massive thank you to …