If I wasn’t already aghast at the situation around homelessness in the UK already, after last week’s initial prison releases (1,700) and anticipated further ones (3,300), I truly am now.
My point in this article is not political, simply human.
I’ve never experienced being imprisoned but know and have friends who have and listening to their stories about reintegration and probation restrictions, it’s truly scary what’s just occurred.
What they tell me is that being isolated from general society, for whatever reasons, and suddenly back in, is a minefield for disaster without proper planning, placement and support in place.
Being generally shunned, job prospects dismissed once disclosure is asked at interview, and previous relationships with family or friends strained at best, often broken… what’s the genuine hope for some?
We know there’s no spaces in prison.
Yet there’s no space in reasonable housing, no space for employment (although Timpson’s have a great set up), no space, or time, to retrain or build up life skills.
Probation will look after you, it’s said, but if you miss that appointment or run out of data to login… there’s probably space in the court dock for a possible recall… but wait… there’s no space for you in HMP…
We all know that without proper grown-up leadership, sticky tape actions have been at the root of so many government decisions, resulting in what we’re facing as a country today. So my conclusion is that we’ve simply had explained that instead of using Sellotape solutions of the previous government, the actual new change is Gorilla Tape solutions instead (or eco-washi tape for Ed.)
Now, what’s that old tried and trodden 7 p’s expression… (one of the two below is from military leadership)
- Piss Poor Planning Promotes Piss Poor Performance
- Prevention Proportion Preparation Portability Proximity Protection and Projection
I’m sure you know which is better for society, vital for this cohort of people… maybe a rethink is due?
Miles
