Gil Long on an inspirational project run by Glasgow Parkhead CAB
Soaring numbers in prison, overcrowding, early release prisoners re-offending; recent headlines about our prison service only paint part of the picture.
Inside Scotland’s largest prison, good things are happening.
So, what does this have to do with the Citizens Advice network? Well, Glasgow Parkhead CAB has been working with Barlinnie prison since 2007 to offer support to prisoners and their families. Two years ago, we were awarded funding by the Lottery Community Fund to set up our three-year Improving Lives project. This allowed us to employ a full-time advice worker inside the prison and a training officer who organises life skills workshops and trains prisoners to assist in the delivery of the workshops.
People in prison experience a variety of challenges relating to the outside world including issues with housing, welfare benefits and debt. Good advice, information and support empowers prisoners to take control over their lives, build confidence and reduce the likelihood of re-offending. With the right tools and support people are more equipped to make better choices, have a better quality of life and become positive contributors to society once released.
From inside prison it’s extremely difficult to communicate and negotiate with outside institutions like banks, landlords and utility or mobile phone companies. Stuart’s experience is typical. He was frightened that he would lose his flat. Where would he go when he got out and how could he access his bank account? He had no job in the prison and therefore no money, and no family outside to help him. The CAB advice worker negotiated on his behalf. This was not only a weight off Stuart’s mind, but the prison officer who had referred him also commented: “the hall runs smoother when prisoners feel they are getting some help”.
Improving Lives works closely with the prisoner-run radio station in Barlinnie, Barbed Wireless Media, producing podcast workshops on topics like housing rights, managing bank accounts, family support and budgeting. Prisoner feedback suggests that these are popular, with many learning and understanding things they never knew or found confusing before.
The project also helps individuals navigate many core issues that are critical to ensuring a secure and positive return to their communities.
Three main things that help to reduce re-offending are having a home to go to, keeping contact with your family and having a job. While the CAB network can’t magically provide jobs, we know that volunteering is often a first step to paid employment. The Scottish CAB network’s own record is enviable. Last year, 40% of our volunteers who left the service went on to take up paid employment, further education or training.
This is the rationale for training peer mentors and working with outside organisations to promote volunteering for ex-prisoners. Another prisoner, Clive, was suicidal when coming into prison but told us that training as a peer mentor ‘rescued’ him. He came off medication, learned valuable, flexible skills and gained self-esteem.
We’re proud of our project and believe it’s a good model – one we’d encourage other charities to engage with in their area.
To support the idea of volunteering, Barbed Wireless Media has written, directed and recorded a short radio drama entitled Kev and Jack’s Big Day Out.
Listen to “Kev and Jack’s Big Day Out” this via Parkhead CAB’s website.
Prisoner’s names in this article have been changed.
Gil Long is chair of Parkhead CAB and a member of Citizens Advice Scotland’s Board of Trustees.
This column was first published in the Herald www.theherald.co.uk.
