Inside ‘n’ Out Magazine- 2nd Edition
Editorial First Word
Welcome to the second issue of the INO Magazine. We have exciting plans for the future and will keep you updated in future issues of the INO Mag.
If you haven’t heard of us yet we are a magazine set up to enhance positive communications. It showcases how individuals are achieving re-entry to community life.
The magazine covers current issues of debate within the Criminal Justice System and offers its readers link to, and information about, other charities, public services and organisations that ex-offenders may find useful.
The INO Mag is an independent platform for those on both sides of the prison wall to share experiences, with the aim to provide a better understanding between parties. The project also provides ex-offenders with volunteering opportunities, as a first step towards the rehabilitative pathway of gaining employment. We have worked with several ex-offenders looking to get their lives back on track and continue to support them in this difficult task.
If you are interested in sharing your story, informing young people currently entering the system or just expressing your ideas for our/future, please contact us at the back of the magazine.
We look forward to your experiences.
Resettlement and Rehabilitation
Taken from a NOMS presentation
To reduce the likelihood of re-offending and cut crime, (ex) offenders need to…
• Have equitable access to suitable and sustainable accommodation and housing support.
• Have a Job or access to the skills which are most likely to lead to suitable and sustainable employment.
• Have timely access to benefits (e.g. Housing, Job Seekers Allowance) finance products (e.g. bank account, insurance), and be able to manage and stay out of debt.
• Be free from problematic drug and or alcohol addiction.
• Have equitable access to health and social care services in particular around Mental Health
• Be able to manage and maintain healthy relationships with their children and families
• Be able to think through how to deal with difficult situations and develop positive attitudes and behaviour in order to get along with people and prevent cycles of re-offending.
• Recognise the harm done to victims and communities which requires organisations and service providers to breakdown local barriers to social and economic inclusion
• This magazine aspires to educate what is available to (ex) offenders so they can make an informed choice whether or not to reoffend.
• All proactive ideas and opinions are welcome. Write to the address at the back of this publication.
Con Air
John talks about Prison Radio and the PRA.
In January this year the newspapers were full of stories about ‘con air’ the prison services plan to introduce a radio station across 140 prison. They stated the £2m would come from existing resources and the possibility of a charity becoming involved in the project’s delivery.
As usual the mainstream media reaction was fuelled by misunderstanding and cheap shot headlines around lazy lags spoon fed Chris Moyles 24/7. It’s not actually about that at all and justice system will know the truth. The opposition spokesman talked of the government using this as a way of not dealing with the real issues which is true but what an opportunity to talk up his own former Tory colleagues Johathan Aitken, whose own report released recently, is authored by someone who actually knows what its like inside!
The reason prisoners are locked away for such long periods of each day is either a lack of genuine jobs to do in prison, lack of education resources or lack of staff to facilitate these things. This all leads to prisoners being in their cells for longer periods so why not take the opportunities to try and reach them with positive content around rehabilitation, victim awareness and opportunities to get involved in project like Ino Mag when they get released.
As the founder of Ino Mag I would welcome the opportunity to create content that was broadcast inside prison but more importantly take ex-offenders who had worked on these projects and offer them the opportunity to choose it as a career option when back in their communities.
Communities across the world use radio as the main form of community news gathering but in this country we seem addicted to television news and the local newspaper industry appears to be in full retreat due to the economic climate. Perhaps prison radio is a way of changing perceptions, providing news and also to provide a genuine community based opportunity to leave the cycle of criminal justice system.
What is the Prison Radio Association (PRA)?
The PRA is an award winning education charity that provides support, guidance and expertise to existing prison radio stations and advises prisons interested in setting up radio station and radio training facilities.
The PRA was established in response to a growing demand from prisons to engage in prison radio.
The PRA is working on the development of a National Prison Radio Service, with the potential to reach every prisoner in England and Wales.
“I have chosen to lend my support to the PRA because I believe this is innovative broadcasting to a quite literally captive audience… the potential in all sorts of ways in enormous.”
John Snow
Barnardo’s Launches YOP
Kate Davis – Holmes from Barnardo’s explains what YOP stands for.
Barnardo’s have launched a Young Offenders Programme (YOP) aimed at people aged 16 to 25. Participants are offered retain training in flexible placement in a Barnardo’s shop. Barnardo’s would like to see the YOP providing a stepping stone into employment and resettlement.
Participants will also have the opportunity to work towards a Youth Achievement Award by putting together evidence of four 15 hour challenges. The first challenge, which can be completed in the prison environment, usually looks at job search issues. The next three challenges can be tailored, to an extent, to the needs and aspirations of the individual.
Carolyn Marnoch, a Barnardo’s shop manager, comments: “The programme has been a very positive experience for me, for the YOP volunteer and for my other volunteers. The YOP volunteer has gained confidence, skills and experience; I have gained a dedicated and hard-working volunteer. There are some very bright and talented young people in the prison system who deserve a second chance and I feel privileged to have worked with them.”
The Head of Reducing Reoffending at HMYOI Thorn Cross says: “Valuable schemes such as Barnardo’s YOP enable us to engage with the community and reintegrate individuals into a society from which many are excluded by their antisocial behaviour. Through partnership working, the programme helps to improve self-esteem and frequently serves as a fresh impetus and hope to those who will be released back into the community.”
Barnardo’s believe in the potential of every child and young person no matter what they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Barnardo’s will support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in them.
If you are interested, please contact Kate Davis-Holmes at kate.davisholmes@barnardos.org.uk or Tanners Lane, Bakingside, Ilford Essex, IG6 1QG. Her mobile number is 07990805613.
UNLOCK
The National Association of Reformed Offenders
Who are UNLOCK?
• UNLOCK was established as a charity in 2000.
• UNLOCK was set up by and is led by reformed offenders.
• UNLOCK has over 4,000 members and 5 employees
• UNLOCK is independent.
• UNLOCK does not take government funding to deliver contracted services.
• UNLOCK aims to achieve equality for reformed offenders and a society in which reformed offenders are able to fulfil their positive potential through equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities
What does UNLOCK do?
• UNLOCK receives thousands of letters, phone calls and emails. In response we:
• Offer direct information, support and referrals to expert organisations.
• Develop and deliver innovative projects to demonstrate how problems can be solved.
• Run campaigns that seek to change discriminatory laws, policies, practices and attitudes.
• Act as channel for the voices of reformed offenders to influence policies, practices and attitudes.
What are UNLOCK’s current objectives?
• Improved access to bank accounts, insurance and financial capability training.
• Implementation of anti-discrimination laws to support equality for reformed offenders.
• Enabling of prisoners to vote in line with the European Court of Human Rights judgement.
• Establishment of a community-based alternative to prison focused on training and employment.
• A trusted, flexible and high quality information service
• More positive public opinion of reformed offenders
• Development of a strong community of reformed offenders committed to equality.
What has UNLOCK achieved so far?
• Provided thousands of reformed offenders and family members with information and support.
• Developed a service offering access to insurance to people with convictions and their families.
• Highlighted prisoners’ need to open bank accounts and convinced Halifax to run a pilot project.
• Set up bank account opening projects in 5 prisons, in partnership with Halifax and Barclays.
• Developed financial capability training specifically for former offenders called ‘UFC’.
• Trained 130 staff and peer supporters in 33 prisons and 8 community-based charities to deliver UFC.
• UNLOCK has contributed to many TV and radio programmes, as well as stories in the printed media include the BBC, Sky, Channel 5, The Times, The Guardian and the Independent.
• Established the UNLOCK Forum, an internet-based community solely for people with previous conviction share experiences, highlight issues, ask questions, support each other and work towards equality.
If you have any experiences of UNLOCK we would be interested in sharing them with you.
Useful Addresses
Apex Trust HQ
7th Floor, No.3, London Wall Buildings, London Wall, London. EC2M 5PD.
020 7638 5931
Job-check@apextrust.com
Leicester Branch
Apex House 74-76 Charles St, Leicester, LE1 1FB
Tel: 0116 261 6510
Clinks
25 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JH
www.clinks.org
Futures Unlocked
9 Newarke Street, Leicester. LE1 5SN
0116 255 3742
admin@futuresunlocked.org
Gay Rights in Prison
48 Princess Terrace
Brigton BN2 5JS
Koestler Arts Centre
168 a Du Cane Rd, London. W12 OTX
020 87400333
info@koestlertrust.org.uk
Leicestershire Cares
42 Tower St, Leicester LE1 6WT
0116 275 6490
info@leicestershirecares.co.uk
Nacro
Park Place, 10-12 Lawn Lane, London
SW8 1U. 020 78407200
www.nacro.org.uk
Prison Reform Trust
15 Northburgh St, London , EC1V 0JR
020 72515070
www.prisonreformturst.org.uk
Shannon Turst (Toe by Toe)
38 Edbury St, London, SW1W 0LU
020 7730 4917
enquiries@shannontrust.org.uk
Smart Justice
Same contact details as the Prison Reform Trust
Prisons Education Trust
Wandle House, Riverside Drive, Mitcham,
Surrey CR4 4BU
020 8648 7760
info@prisonseducation.org.uk
UNLOCK
35 a High Street, Snodland. Kent ME6 5AG
01634 247 350
enquiries@UNLOCK.org.uk
Youth Justice Board
11 Carteret St, London SW1H 9DL
020 727 13033
enquiries@yjb.gov.uk
Our Contact Details
Inside ‘n’ Out Magazine
Community Media Hub
Learning & Information Library
Bishop Street
Leicester LE1 6AA
Tel: 0116 299 5413
Editors- John Coster and Mark Clark
Email – editor@inomag.org
Web – www.inomag.org