Ex-prisoners in Telford calling for better rehabilitation in prison
'Yellow Ribbon' in Telford helps ex-offenders gain a qualification to re-integrate into society
Ex-prisoners in Telford are calling for better rehabilitation in prison, as local charities work to re-integrate them into society.
'Yellow Ribbon' in Telford is working in partnership with Telford College to help ex-offenders gain Level 2 certificates.
They can specialise in mental health awareness qualifications, with some going on to assist with teaching the courses.
James' story:
James Henderson spent 5 years in prison.
He came to 'Yellow Ribbon' when he was released 12 months ago. James completed the college course and is helping teach and set up more classes:
"All the courses help ex-offenders to change their mindset and the way people look at us.
"They want to learn, they want to change. There is no rehabilitation in prison," he said.
"Being an ex-offender, people look at you funny"
James told us he faced a lot of personal challenges, once he got let out of prison:
"I had anxiety attacks, I just could not function properly. Being an ex-offender, people look at you funny and treat you differently. It was horrible," he said.
"I do not think I would be here right now"
He said that groups like 'Yellow Ribbon' should be replicated across the country, where prisons do not offer rehabilitation services:
"It is life-changing. I was homeless when I came out of prison. If I had not come to 'Yellow Ribbon', I do not think I would be here right now," he said.
How are UK prisons improving?
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice said: "This Government inherited a prison system in crisis, which is why the Lord Chancellor took immediate action to address the chaos engulfing our prisons.
“We are now focused on improving conditions in the long-term through our 10-year prison capacity strategy, and are committed to increasing prisoners’ access to purposeful activity and supporting ex-offenders into employment.”