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Your name:

Prison number:

Current wing / cell number:

Table of Contents (Page No.)

Message from an Insider 3
Famous people who went to prison and what happened next 4-8
Mud or Stars? A prisoner’s story 9-15
Helpful tips on life Inside 16-18
Planning ahead / Back to work 19-21
Employment, training and education 21
Useful services and contact numbers 22-23
Inspirational quotes 24
Personal notes and references 25-27

The Address of the prison (for friends & relatives to write) is:

[Your Name & Prison Number]

Please remember all letters MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND PRISON NUMBER so as to be
able to find you sooner.
 Message from an Insider
Dear friend,

You are probably feeling confused right now. Numb, possibly a bit shocked and
perhaps angry or upset. But most likely, if you are like many of us who’ve sat
where you are, it’s all the above.

Coming to prison for the first time can be one of the most upsetting experienc-
es in life and there is no shame in feeling lost or scared. It’s not just normal, it’s
predictable. But even though your world may feel as if it’s been turned upside
down, there are ways to help it turn right side up, starting now. This booklet
is one of them. It was designed specifically for new prisoners, by people who
have been through what you’re going through right now.

It doesn’t matter why you are here or for how long, everyone has to adjust.
However, there’s always an easy way and a hard way to do everything in life
and this is no different. The good news is, this booklet is part of helping you
find the easy way. It may even show you how to turn this experience into some-
thing positive, or at least stop you from falling into the trap of ever coming
back. Don’t take this advice lightly. The biggest enemy you have right now is
also your biggest asset - and that’s how you choose to use your head.

If you’re smart, you’ll read and keep this booklet, refer to it often and use it as a
companion. It’s full of references and advice designed to help you through this
journey, because even though you may feel like it, you are not alone.

From
an Insider

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 Famous People Who Went to
Prison - And What Happened Next

For many people, prison was the turning point in their lives that allowed them
to grow stronger, make better choices and ultimately, create a big impact on
the world. Here are some famous people who also went to prison and what
happened next…

Is This The End Or A New Beginning?

Nelson Mandela
Convicted Terrorist

“The brave man is not he who does not feel

afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Nelson Mandela served 27 years in prison for trying to sabotage the apartheid
government, 18 of these years were spent in hard labour on the notorious
Robben Island. The first words a warder spoke to Mandela were: “You’re going
to die here.” This couldn’t have been any further from the truth. President F.
W. de Klerk released Mandela in 1990 and he went on to become the President
of South Africa and one of the world’s most inspirational leaders. When he
was asked about how he felt being locked up for so long, he replied, “I wasn’t
locked up, I was simply preparing to be President.”

Nelson Mandela was a hero to millions and a legendary ambassador for every-
thing he believed in.

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 Famous People Who Went To Prison

Mark Wahlberg
Assault

“I never would have been able to change my life

and have the success and love that I have in my life
today if it wasn’t for faith.”

At just 16 years old, Mark Wahlberg was charged with attempted murder.

He was convicted of assault and sentenced to two years in Suffolk County Deer
Island House of Correction, serving only 45 days but permanently carrying a
criminal record. His stretch in prison was a self-proclaimed turning point and
he vowed to turn his life around.

Mark Wahlberg is now a famous Hollywood actor who has starred in many
blockbusters, including: Transformers, Ted and Daddy’s Home. Behind the
scenes, he is a successful producer and married with 4 children.

Viktor. E Frankl
Holocaust Survivor

“When we can no longer change a situation, we

are challenged to change ourselves.”

In 1942, Austrian professor, Viktor Frankl, was sent, along with his wife and
parents, to a Nazi concentration camp. All of his family members were killed
and in 1944 he was moved to the notorious Auschwitz, which was known to
have a less than 1% survival rate and where he spent several months working
as a slave labourer. He was freed in 1945, when the camp he was in was liber-
ated by American soldiers.

Frankl returned to Vienna and wrote a world-famous book describing life as

an inmate inside a concentration camp from the perspective of a psychiatrist.
Called ‘Man’s Search For Meaning’ it sold a staggering 9 million copies and has
changed the lives of countless people, including many prisoners.
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 Famous People Who Went To Prison

Muhammad Ali
Draft Evasion

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”

With the United States at war with Vietnam, Muhammad Ali refused to be
drafted into the Armed Forces, resulting in his conviction on June 20th, 1967.
He was sentenced to 5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, stripped of his heavy-
weight title and banned from boxing for 3 years.

In March 1970, the Supreme Court reversed the conviction. After continuing
his boxing career, Ali announced his retirement at the age of 39 with a profes-
sional record of 56 wins, 5 losses, 37 knockouts. In 2005, the then president,
George W. Bush awarded Ali with the highest U.S. civilian honour - the Presi-
dential Medal of Freedom.

Mike Tyson
Rape

“As long as we preserve and endure, we can get

anything we want.”

At just 20 years old, Mike Tyson became the youngest ever heavyweight boxer
to win the WBC Heavyweight Championship. In 1987, he also went on to win
the WBA heavyweight title and the IBF heavyweight crown to unify the world
titles. With an already successful career, things changed for Mike in 1992 when
he was found guilty of rape and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

He was released on parole after three years and began his comeback within the
boxing world. He later went on to star in movies, making his first big screen ap-
pearance in the film “The Hangover”. He then worked with a director to bring
out his own, successful stage show called, “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth.” He
is now living a healthier lifestyle, choosing to stay sober and follow a vegan
diet.
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 Famous People Who Went To Prison

Martin Luther King

Violating an anti-boycotting law & perjury

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can

do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can
do that.”

Martin Luther King was a highly educated activist and Baptist minister. He is
best known for helping to end inequality in America during the civil rights
movement and using non-violent tactics inspired by Gandhi. He was arrested
after leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1956 and sentenced to 38 days
in prison.

Martin Luther King went on to become an icon for peace, justice and equality.
His famous “I have a dream” speech is now recognised as one of the finest
speeches in history. It facilitated the passageway of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
He literally helped change the world as we know it.

Mahatma Gandhi
Sedition

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if

you’ll live forever.”

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian activist and lawyer who fought for indepen-
dence from British rule. He created a non-violent movement and was sent to
prison a total of 13 times. In 1922, he was sentenced to 6 years in prison for
writing three articles published in Young India. He served 2 years before being
released. Before his death, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 5 times
and in 1982, the movie “Gandhi” was made about his life. It won the Academy
Award for best motion picture.

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 Famous People Who Went To Prison

Lord John Bird

Theft, Benefit Fraud, Arson and Vandalism

“Life is about taking steps that move you

forwards.”

Lord John Bird certainly had a troubled childhood, resulting in several stints
in prison. Made homeless at the age of 5, he would spend the next 15 years
in and out of institutions, using his survival instinct to make money from a
young age. With a long list of convictions including theft and vandalism in his
mid-twenties, Lord Bird finally promised himself that he’d change his life. He
was determined to go straight and started his own business selling enlarged
copies of Victorian drawings. After learning everything he could about printing
and publishing, he then started publishing books for other people.

Lord Bird is now a campaigner for the homeless and a social entrepreneur. He
founded the magazine ‘The Big Issue’, employing homeless people to sell it on
the streets of London. A speaker in the House of Lords, he now dedicates his
time to helping the homeless.

What’s your story going to be?

“When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.”

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 Mud or Stars?
A Prisoners Story – Read, Enjoy & Share.

I couldn’t believe it. I was still in shock. One minute I’m a free man walking
into court and the next, I’m an inmate on my way to prison. Life sucks. I kept
thinking of my family and friends. Obviously, I was hoping for a ‘not guilty’, but
even when the jury found against me, I was shocked to get three years. Man,
now what? It was though my whole life had just fallen apart. I felt a rush of
emotions; from denial to regret, then anger and uncertainty, as the fear of the
unknown and being inside hit me. This was my first ever time in prison. Little
did I know that what happened next would have a big effect, not just on my
sentence but on the rest of my life.

Still feeling numb, I arrived at the Jail and was given clothes, bedding and a
medical. I answered the questions, and went into a waiting room with a dozen
or so other prisoners waiting for a cell. There were two places to sit, one next
to a big guy with a shaved head and a beard who appeared to be in his late 20’s
and one next to an older guy, who looked around 50 and fairly unfazed. As I
thought where to go, someone came in and sat next to the guy with the shaved
head, so I sat next to the older guy. I avoided eye contact but I could feel him
look at me. Eventually he said, “Hi” and I replied, more with a mumble than a
greeting. I was still numb and starting to feel sick. He said, “first time inside?” I
nodded. He said, “yeah, I can tell. My name is Dell.”

I found out that Dell was on his third year of an eight-year sentence. He didn’t
tell me what for. It was also his third time inside. As we chatted, I started telling
him about my case - how I felt it was unfair for a first offence and that the jury
hadn’t been told some key facts and why I was sure I shouldn’t really be here.
Before I could get into more detail, he cut me off. “Listen mate,” he said. “You
seem like a decent bloke so let me give you some advice.” I wasn’t sure what
he was going to say but I thought any advice right now on how to deal with this
nightmare would be welcome. His first comment caught me off guard. “Let me
tell you straight. No one gives a crap about your story. We all have one. Every-
one you meet in here will tell you why they don’t belong. I’ve heard it all. The
truth is, 80% of people don’t care about your problems and the other 20% are
glad you have them. But the worst part is, thinking like that will eat you away
inside.” Before I could think about what he’d just said, he added “Can I ask you

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 Mud or Stars?

a question?” I nodded. He said, “Can you go back and change anything that has
already happened?” I thought about it. It hurt, but he was right. I could spend
my whole life, or at least my sentence, complaining about what had happened
but none of that would ever change a single thing. In fact, it would just make
me more miserable.

“So what should I do, just lay down and do nothing?” I was still feeling anger
at the system and wanted to at least show I wasn’t going to take it lying down.
Dell sighed.

“No mate, I’m not saying that. What I’m saying is the biggest mistake I see peo-
ple make is the one you’re making now. They spend hours, days, sometimes
longer, wasting energy thinking ‘if only it happened this way’ or ‘if only I’d done
that instead’. What’s done is done. You can’t change the fact you spilt the milk,
you can only decide how to deal with the mess. And wasting time thinking
‘coulda-woulda-shoulda’ is a guaranteed way to stay miserable or full of piss
and vinegar. And neither of those will do you any good in here.” He paused.
“Now, if there’s a way to do something about what’s happened, that’s a differ-
ent story. Whether it’s an appeal or a way to change circumstances going for-
ward or just learning from your mistakes, that’s something you can look at. But
the best place to look at it from, is with a clear head and you’ll never get a clear
head until you first accept what’s already happened.” He was right again. I was
massively resisting my situation even though in this moment I couldn’t change
a thing about it. I gave it a try and started to drop the inner resistance to where
I was. It wasn’t easy at first but when I started to get to grips with accepting
my situation instead of fighting it, I instantly felt a bit calmer. Maybe there was
something to what this guy was saying. I decided to ask a question of my own.

“Dell, what’s the best way to cope with being in here?” He paused and thought.
And then smiled, as if he was actually happy to use his experience to help.
Something I’d learn the power of later.

He looked as if he was remembering a time long ago and then said, in almost
a distant voice, “When I came in here the first time, I was just like you. Full of
reasons why I shouldn’t be here. Angry at everything. The judge, the system,
my lawyer, the people I hung around with. Even myself. I remember feeling
righteous one minute and then scared and depressed the next. I didn’t want
to talk to anyone either, unless they wanted to hear why I was right about
everyone else being wrong. It was only a short sentence, a few months, but it
seemed to drag on for years. Man, it was tough.”

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 Mud or Stars?

“That sounds horrible.” I said.

“It was, but do you know what? The main reason it was horrible wasn’t down
to the system or even being in here. Give or take, the environment’s pretty
constant for everyone. What made the difference was all down to how I used,
or rather misused, my mind.” I looked confused and he obviously picked up on
my reaction because he began to elaborate. “There’s an old saying. Two men
sat behind prison bars, one saw mud, the other saw stars.” The condition is the
same for both, but they chose to see it differently.”

I countered, “Isn’t that just positive thinking?”

“Positive thinking is one thing. Being smart and making better choices on how
to think, so you can get through your sentence, is another.” Again, he made
sense but I wanted to know specifics and pressed him for an example. “OK,”
he said. “Let’s play a game. Let’s just say, I was able to offer you a deal to shave
some time off your sentence and all you had to do was write a list – would you
do it?”

“Sure, just tell me what to write.”

“Could you write a list of ten things that suck about your life?” This was too
easy and I had a lot more than ten. “OK, but what if we play the same game
but this time you have to write a list of ten things you could be happy about in
your life?”

“What now?” I laughed. I really wasn’t in the mood to play games and certainly
not think about what was right in my life after the events of today, but Dell
pushed.

“Yeah, right now. You asked for some advice on dealing with life inside and I’m
giving it to you. So, let me ask you again. If it really was for a sentence reduc-
tion, could you write a list of ten things in your life you could be happy about
or grateful for, if you thought hard enough?” I drew a blank and he prompted
me, “What about the fact that you didn’t get a longer sentence?” Good point.
All this time I’d been focusing on why I hadn’t got a shorter sentence. It never
occurred to me to be happy about the fact it wasn’t longer. Hmm, one saw
mud, the other saw stars. I was starting to understand and came up with a few
more reasons. For a start, I was reasonably healthy. Not in the best shape of
my life but I could only imagine what it would be like to be inside and really ill.

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 Mud or Stars?

Or have a leg or an arm in plaster or worse, be in a wheel chair. I suddenly had

a lot of respect for people in that situation but at the same time felt grateful it
wasn’t me. Plus, I had friends and family on the outside. Not a lot, but at least
they could send a message or visit. Suddenly, I didn’t feel as bad but what Dell
said next really woke me up and made me think. “My point is this. You can win
both of those games. The question is, which one do you want to play?” His
point was as simple as it was powerful. What’s wrong is always available to
focus on but at the same time, so is what’s right. I couldn’t see why this simple
choice had not been as obvious as it was now. He added, “And you think it’s
only a game? Let me show you what happens when you play it from both sides.
Let’s say you come in here and focus on all the reasons why you can be miser-
able. Oh, you’ll find them. But then what? You walk around pissed off at the
world, ready to react to prove your point that you’re a victim of circumstance.
Next thing you’re either on medication for depression or you have privileges
taken away or even your release date pushed back because you pushed back
against another inmate. Or worse, an Officer.”

I butted in, “But aren’t all Officers like that?”

“Listen to me,” he said. “I’ve been in this game a long time; the Officers are
like a mirror. Smile at them and they’re more likely to smile back. Get angry
and upset and they’ll do the same. Just like you or I would. Besides, everyone
knows the system ain’t perfect. Show me one that is. Many of the staff and
officers are just doing the best they can but some stuff is bound to fall through
the cracks. When you’re smart enough to see it for what it is, that the system is
old rather than vindictive, you learn not to take it personally. Like toothache, it
doesn’t try to upset you on purpose. The big problem is you can’t smile if you
are playing the game of ‘what’s wrong with my life’. Plus, walking around with
a chip on your shoulder trying to prove to the world you’re right is a waste of
time. Especially when, as I said before, nobody really gives a crap.”

“You’re saying by just changing my mindset I can change my experience? It

can’t be that simple.” I said.

“Oh, can’t it? Well, let’s play it from the other side. You walk around looking
for reasons to be grateful and trust me, there are many. Take for example the
soldier who had his leg blown off in Afghanistan but convinced the army to let
him continue with a prosthetic leg. He was asked ‘but aren’t you now handi-
capped?’ and replied saying it was the enemy who was now handicapped as he
had a bulletproof leg.” I thought wow, what a way to look at things. Dell carried

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 Mud or Stars?

on, “do you know how many homeless people would love the bed you are
getting tonight? Or how many refugees in Syria would give anything to be fed
three times a day? Or the people just around the corner in the local hospital
that would swap places with you in a heartbeat, just to get their health back or
another few months of their life?” He’d made his point. He then added “Once
you accept where you’re at and try to have a good attitude, you can make more
intelligent choices. The first one I’d make is decide to set yourself up to win.”
Again, I asked for an example. “There’s an induction book in your cell, read it. It
gives you the ins and outs on the basics of how things in here work. How to get
visits, buy canteen, get burn (tobacco) and more. Next, I suggest getting a job
or education ASAP. It gets you out of the cell a lot more and makes the time go
quicker. Focus on a goal. It could be anything. I suggest getting to the level of
enhanced, as it makes things easier and it’s a piece of piss if you keep your nose
clean. Or choose a health goal, to get clean, fit or quit smoking. Or lean a new
skill, anything that gets you looking forward, not back. It may sound strange
but in here, boredom is optional.”

I was making mental notes as fast as I could. This was good stuff. His next point
was also bang on. “Next, be careful who you hang with. Even on the outside
but especially in here. It’s a fact that if you hang around with ten drug users,
you’ll usually become the eleventh. If you hang around with ten people who
are thinking of how they can make their life better, rather than blame everyone
else, you’ll usually become the eleventh. It’s called the law of conformity.” I
knew he was right as there had been many studies that showed exactly that.
He continued “Also, understand there’s a difference between liberty and free-
dom. Liberty relates to movement and it’s really the only thing they’ve restrict-
ed. But freedom is a state of mind and no one can take that away but you. The
problem is those who see mud, not stars, are prisoners of their own thinking
whether they are in jail or not.”

“But why don’t more people think this way?” I asked. His reply was insightful
and hit me like a brick.

“Because by blaming others, we get to feel like the innocent victim and feel
justified about being hard done by. It may feel better temporarily but here’s
the problem. It also means you give up all personal responsibility and then
wonder why life continues to throw shit all over you. And, it also means you’re
more likely to be back in here at some point. Screw that. You can’t change
being in here mate, but you can change who you are when you come out. In
fact, the difference between looking at what you’ve learned instead of looking

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 Mud or Stars?

at what you’ve lost can be the difference between a life you can be proud of
versus a life on the street. It’s taken me three visits inside to learn that.” Damn,
I thought if ever there was a time I needed to hear that, it was now.

He then asked, “Do you have a partner?” I replied that I did. He said, “when
they let you out your cell for tomorrow for social, ask an Insider to help you get
their number added to your call list and then you’ll be able to speak to them.”
I said I was thankful for that but then he added something that I hadn’t even
thought of. “Go easy on the phone mate, don’t just dump all your problems on
them. Many people in here forget, but it can be just as tough for our loved ones
on the outside. In fact, in many ways our spouses kind of serve the sentence
with us.” I stopped and thought. I’d been so busy focusing on my own issues, it
was a perspective I’d not even considered.

Before we could continue, a door opened and my name was called. I got up
to leave and was told I was going to my cell which was going to be on A-wing,
on the top floor, something they call ‘the fives’. I turned to Dell and said, “See,
things are looking up already, looks like I get the Penthouse!” We both laughed,
and he said, “That’s the Spirit.”

I went to my cell and found the induction book he spoke about, but before I
read it I started making notes about all the things I could remember he’d said.
When I finished I had a list of six key points.

1. Nobody cares about my story – 80% of people aren’t interested in my prob-

lems and the other 20% are glad I have them.
2. I always get to choose what I focus on. Mud or Stars. After all, what’s wrong
is always available but so is what’s right. Bulletproof Leg. Awesome.
3. Resisting what I can’t change is stupid. Accept the fact the milk is spilt and
then figure out how to deal with it. Look forward not back.
4. Life acts as a mirror. If I’m pissed off at the world, don’t be surprised if it
gets pissed off with me.
5. Prison may restrict my liberty but it can never take my freedom. After all,
no one can ever do anything to me emotionally without my permission.
6. Set myself up to win. Learn the ropes, get busy, set a goal. Boredom is
optional.

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 Mud or Stars?

Within a couple of weeks, I’d settled into a routine, had a good job and had
even quit smoking. A few weeks later, I made the enhanced level and life got
better. Not only that, I was also helping other inmates make some simple shifts
in their thinking using the six points above and many had seen similar results.
That was probably the most rewarding part. It’s called paying it forward.

I saw Dell a few more times after that as we sometimes passed in the hallways
during what they called ‘Free-flow’. He always smiled and said the same thing
– “Mud or Stars?” I’d always smile back and shout “Stars Bro!”

I often wonder what would have happened if I had not sat next to him and lis-
tened to his sage advice. I’m not sure if he ever understood the massive impact
his words had on me that first night but it was something at the top of my list
of things to be grateful for. I remember Steve Jobs once said, something to the
effect that, ‘as the river of life unfolds we can never join the dots going forward,
only looking back.’ It wasn’t until I came out that I realised what he meant
and how much the whole prison episode had shifted me in a positive way. Of
course, given the choice, I wouldn’t have decided to go in but I now know that
complaining about what’s happened is a waste of time. However, joining the
dots, I know that who I chose to become whilst being inside is something no
one can ever take away. It was then I finally realised the biggest lesson of all.
That my environment never defines me. It simply gives me the opportunity to
define myself. It also made me a better man, husband and father and to this
day, I share those six points with my own kids. As a result, they’re also making
better choices in their lives. Choices that will not only keep them on the outside
but maybe, one day, allow them to pay it forward to someone else in need too.

The End.

Anonymous.

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FOR LIFE ON THE INSIDE

In this section, you will find helpful tips for making life more comfortable on
the inside. You may have already received the official information on things like
booking visits, but we want to tell you the tricks and tips that no one else will.

• Rub fabric conditioner on the pipes in your cell

Buy a fabric conditioner, such as Lenor from the canteen, rub it on the pipes
and make your cell smell amazing. You’re going to be spending a lot of time in
there, so keep it clean, tidy and smelling fresh.

• How to put up your pictures

If there’s no Blu-tac or drawing pins, use toothpaste instead. This can become
an excellent alternative for sticking your all-important pictures and letters
around the cell. Surround yourself with happy memories to help keep positive.

• Use the cap of a deodorant as a plug

This can be a really handy tip if your sink hasn’t got a plug in it. Simply place the
deodorant cap in and fill up as normal for your morning wash. You can also use
a moulded paper plug inside a plastic bag.

• Keep the cell tidy

Keeping your cell clean with a good wash and mop at least once a week is a
must. It may not be big or permanent but it’s home for now, so take some pride
in keeping it in order. A dirty cell, just like a dirty house, can attract unwanted
visitors like insects. Also, if you receive your lunch in a plastic bag, carefully
untie it instead of tearing it open and use the bag as a bin. Keep it off the floor
and tie once full, then dump it in one of the dustbins at the end of the wings.

16 |
 Helpful tips for life on the inside

• Get creative with cooking

Cooking resources are few and far between in prison so it’s important to
be resourceful. Use apple juice instead of water to cook rice, adding more fla-
vour but still quick, affordable and easy. Wrap a slice of bread in paper and
leave it on the pipes for 5 minutes to make toast. Imagination is your friend.

• Body weight exercises

Look after your body. Sometimes you can spend over 23 hours in there, so this
is important for a healthy state of mind, as well has a healthy body. Nelson
Mandela kept in great shape with a strict fitness routine in his cell, which in-
cluded push-ups, crunches and often running for up to 40 minutes on the spot.

• Roll smaller cigarettes (If in a smoking prison)

Tobacco is limited. If you are used to buying cigarettes whenever you want
them, then it may be time to cut down. A good way to economise and make
your tobacco go further is to roll smaller cigarettes.

• Manage Your Money

Borrowing in prison can lead to high interest rates that become difficult to pay
back. The best policy is to borrow nothing, lend nothing and spend what you
have wisely. Phone calls and canteen are most people’s priority but learn to
save as well. After all, if you cannot manage a budget in here, it’s unlikely you
will be able to do so on the outside.

• Learn the terms

Like any institution, prison can have its own jargon. Here are some of the terms
you’ll get familiar with:

Freeflow. This is when the wing doors are open and you can walk to
where you need to go. (employment, education, healthcare etc.)
Social. Your daily time out of the cell, where you can walk around your
wing.
Burn. Slang for Tobacco.
ROTL (pronounced Rottle) – Released on temporary license. Term used
for things such as home leave.
HDC - Home Detention Curfew, also known as ‘Tag’.
OASys – Offender Assessment System.
OMU – Offender Management Unit – department that manages your
sentence plan.

| 17
 Tips from other prisoners
There’s no substitute for experience. Here are some tips, direct from other
prisoners. But remember these are just opinions, not rules.

“When it comes to image - just be yourself, don’t try and be something you’re
not, just to impress other inmates. Authenticity is actually respected by most
inmates - respect is a big thing and no one likes a liar or being false.” Mark S

“Your sentence - somehow inmates will always find out the truth of your sen-
tence. So if asked, try not to make it more or less than it is. Everyone makes
mistakes, so wear it with acceptance rather than pride.” Malcomb R

“When you first arrive, it can take time to settle you into the prison system and
beware that you could be locked up for 23 hours a day. Try and stay positive
and alert. I’d recommend being proactive and speaking to the officers of your
wing to see what the plan is for you or if there are any upcoming jobs available
on the wing like cleaning, kitchen duties or clothes orderly etc. Jobs or educa-
tion really help your time pass quicker.” Abdul A

“Loneliness can be difficult sometimes and I’d advise anyone to immediately

write letters to family or friends. It’s a wonderful feeling receiving a reply and
trust me when I say it will raise your spirits and occupy your time in your cell.
Also, if you don’t have many people to write to, ask for the prison Pen Pal ser-
vice. It allows you to connect with people outside and again will be a source of
great comfort. The prison also has the equivalent of priests, rabbi’s or imams
for many religions and these will always be on hand to support you in a soulful
& spiritual way. Lastly, you can request a book to read which really allows you
a chance to escape your current conditions.” Johnny C

“No one likes or approves of a term called “snitch” - basically someone who
tells tales or speaks about people behind their back. My advice is to just keep
your own opinions to yourself and don’t stir trouble. If you see something you
shouldn’t, just walk on by.” Fayez A

“A clean cell helps keep a clean mind, so make your new home look good. You
might be there for a while. If possible, make it a positive place, filled with love
and family photos or anything that will inspire you. If you have an end date,
plan it with a vision board of what you will do when you’re out, that will keep
you in high spirits. As we know, mindset is the King of hope. If you’re sharing,
remember that the other person has been there before you, so be considerate
and allow time for both of you to adjust. You always have a right to your space
but be courteous not demanding.” Ronaldo G

18 |
 Planning Ahead

Getting a job after prison isn’t has hard as some people think. There are many
employers who are very happy to take on ex-offenders. Some of which have ex-
cellent programs specifically designed to do so. Also, there are a lot of skills you
can acquire inside that are valuable to employers. The prison service is almost
like a free college in this respect. Take advantage! Simply ask your Offender
Supervisor or one of the Insiders, what courses are available for you to apply
for. Below, you will also see a useful list of resources and companies who have
an encouraging attitude towards people with criminal records.

• Blue Sky Jobs - Notably, you in fact • Alliance Boots - One of the found-
must have a criminal record to work ing members of the “ban the box”
with these guys as they only employ campaign (for employers to take the
people that have convictions. criminal record check box off the
application forms) Alliance Boots re-
• Co-Op - A well-known food retailer, cruit ex-offenders to work across a
along with legal service provisions variety of departments
and funeral services, Co-op have
a positive attitude towards people • Camden Garden Centre - They work
with criminal records tirelessly to support a diverse com-
munity in getting back to work. From
convicts to substance addicts, to
the elderly and people with mental
health conditions.

• Cook Food Ltd - Preparing and selling

frozen meals, roles with Cook Food
Ltd could see you working in one of
their shops, kitchens or delivering
food.

| 19
• East Coast Trains - The franchise,
currently run by Virgin, run trains be-
tween Scotland, the North East, Lon-
don and Yorkshire.

• ESH Group - Highly committed to

helping anyone gain employment
who is dedicated and hard working.

• Home Group - Due to the nature of

their work, the Home Group warm-
ly welcome applications from ex-of-
fenders as their aim is to support • National Grid - Offering ex-offenders
people on their journey to stability. a way back into employment.

• Iceland - Among the retailers who • Timpson - An admirable company

supported the “ban the box” cam- that goes above and beyond for peo-
paign, Iceland is a food-retail chain. ple with convictions.

• Interserve - Already employing over • Virgin Trains - Founded by Sir Richard

2500 ex-offenders, Interserve is a Branson, Virgin Trains has an active
construction company and national employment campaign for ex-offend-
support service. ers

• Marks and Spencer - A well-known • Greggs - Greggs was inspired by the

retail-chain, Marks and Spencer have pioneering work of Timpson, the
an extremely positive attitude to- shoe repair, dry-cleaners and key
wards hiring people from excluded cutters chain, in hiring ex-offenders.
groups. Greggs runs training schemes in pris-
ons and provides work experience,
• Poundland - Able to offer employ- which can lead to permanent jobs.
ment to people with convictions due
to support from the Shaw Trust. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list
and neither should it stop you applying for
• Sainsbury’s & Tesco - Additional any job that you might not see listed here.
well-known supermarkets that aim
to be diverse and inclusive with their
recruitment policies.

20 |
 Recruitment Agencies

Another option to return to employment is to contact your local employment

agencies and register with them as ‘ready to work’. You will find no judgment
passed and they can actively find you suitable workplaces based on your skill-
set.

The great thing about working through an agency is that you can get your
foot in the door and prove to the employers how dedicated and willing to
work you are. This can offer opportunities for permanent employment, as
you’ll have already proved your dedication to the company. It will also give
you good hands-on experience and those all-important references.

Employment, training and education

Prisoners’ Education Trust - Offering access to distance learning, the Pris-

oners’ Education Trust provides grants to current convicts, enabling them to
study.
Freepost- Prisoner’s Education Trust
Tel: 02037525680

National Careers Service - Valuable and free careers advice on a variety of

employment options, along with training courses and possible funding.
Tel: 0800100900

Family Action (Grants)- For those wishing to improve their future, Family
Action provides an education and welfare program.
Tel: 02072546251
Family Action, 501-505 Kingsland Rd, London, E84AU

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 Useful Services And Contact Numbers
Stay In Touch
Email a Prisoner - A great way for friends and family to stay in touch is
through the website www.emailaprisoner.com. Simply have them set up an
account and you can start receiving messages. They will just need to know
your full name, prison number and the prison you are in. (There is a small
charge for this service)

Prison Voicemail is an award-winning social venture that allows you to leave

and listen to messages from loved ones. Available in over 85% of prisons,
accounts can be set up at www.prisonvoicemail.com (There is a small charge
for this service)

Legal Advice
Prisoners’ Advice Service - Offers free legal advice and support to adult pris-
oners throughout England and Wales regarding their legal and human rights,
conditions of imprisonment and the application of prison law.
Tel: 02072533323 or 08454308923
PAS, PO Box 46199, London, EC1M4XA

Family Support
PACT - The Prison Advice and Care Trust is a national charity that offers sup-
port to prisoners, ex-offenders and their families.
Prisoners family helpline - 08088083444

Housing
Shelter - Provides free support and advice for all aspects relating to housing
and your legal rights. Tel: 0808800444
Shelter, 88 Old Street, London, EC1V 9HU

Crisis - Available to single people who have found themselves homeless. This
charity will offer advice about finding and keeping a home. Tel: 03006361967
66 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LT

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Substance Misuse Support
Alcoholics Anonymous - Provision for alcoholics within their local community,
to support them individually, or within a group, to stop drinking.
Tel: 08009177650, PO Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York, YO1 7NJ

Addiction Helper - Impartial advice from trained counsellors to discuss appro-

priate treatment. Tel: 0800 448 8688 / 08009177650

Talk to Frank - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free support and advice helpline
for drug users. Tel: 0300 123 6600

Financial Support
Receiving Money - you can have money sent to you from the following web-
site: https://send-money-to-prisoner.service.gov.uk

Money Advice Service - Receive impartial, free advice about managing your
finances and existing debts. Tel: 03005005000

National Debt Helpline - Offering free and confidential advice to manage

debts. Tel: 08088084000

Turn 2 Us - A reliable charity that will help you discover any potential money
available through grants, provide benefit advice and anything else beneficial
to your finances. Tel: 08088022000

Mental Health Services

Samaritans - offers a 24/7, confidential helpline for people who just need
someone to listen. Tel: 08457909090 or dial free on 116 123
Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO BOX 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA

The New Bridge Foundation Befriending Service - Connecting volunteers and

prisoners to offer companionship and someone to write to. Tel: 02086713856
New Bridge Foundation, 1a Elm Park, London, SW2 2TX

General Information and Advice

Nacro’s Resettlement Advice Service - A wide range of information for people
with criminal records, ranging from education, housing, training, employment
and many more. Tel: 08000181259, 48 Loman Street, London, SE1 0EH
| 23
 Inspirational Quotes
Great people who live great lives choose great words to live by. A phrase that
becomes a belief that becomes a principle to live by can not only change a life
in powerful ways, but also the world. Here are some examples of people who
have changed history and the principles they lived by:

“Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development, be-
cause success is something you attract by the person you become.” - Jim Rohn

“Be honest with yourself about what you are and then be OK with yourself
about what you are. For this is the first step towards becoming better than you
are.” - J. C. Hare

“We are not held back by the love we didn’t receive in the past, but by the love
we’re not extending in the present.” - Marianne Williamson

“Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have
roses.” - Alphonse Karr

“Complaining about our current circumstances is the glue that keeps us tied to
them.” - Peter Sage

“Just remember – You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your
pockets.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

“You become the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Up-
grade your peer group and you’ll upgrade your life.” - Jim Rohn

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke
of luck.” - Dalai Lama

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” - George Eliot

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, “I’m possible!” - Audrey Hepburn

“The best revenge is massive success.” - Frank Sinatra

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day
you find out why.” - Mark Twain

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life
is when men are afraid of the light.” - Plato
24 |
 Personal information, notes and references
Please use the following space to record any important or useful information
for your stay in prison. This could include your solicitors name and address,
court dates, phone numbers to call or even contact details for new friends
you make inside.

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NOTES

26 |
“Every adversity carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater
benefit.” - Napoleon Hill, famous author of Think and Grow Rich.

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