Family and Friends Forum

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2548 posts

Posted Thu January 27, 2022 9:15amReport post

Did anyone watch the prog last night about Jay Blades journey as he learns to read. What an amazing and inspiring watch.

He went inside a prison and pointed out the high percentage of prisoners that have learning difficulties. Very thought provoking......

Alison20

Member since
March 2021

362 posts

Posted Thu January 27, 2022 1:00pmReport post

Hi Smile through Tears

Thanks for posting this, I will try and watch it over the next few days.I always find programmes like this interesting to watch.

A few members of our family are on the autistic spectrum, so I am always keen to learn about any neurodiversity and how it can impact on everyday living.

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2548 posts

Posted Thu January 27, 2022 1:40pmReport post

I'm just curious if these crimes link up. My son tells me most of the men in prison )he's in a SO prison) have learning difficulties.

Alison20

Member since
March 2021

362 posts

Posted Thu January 27, 2022 1:58pmReport post

Hi Smile through Tears

I have just found this link that may be of interest to you

https://www.novus.ac.uk/news/breaking-down-barriers-education-those-who-are-neurodiverse/

It does state that In prisons the percentage of the population with learning difficulties and disabilities is proportionally far higher than the general population.

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2548 posts

Posted Thu January 27, 2022 4:07pmReport post

Thanks Alison for that. I'll have a read. I think my son has been put on courses to support maths and English then hopefully he'll be aligable for other work based opportunities/treatment programmes while in prison.

Anyone with information along these lines would be welcome.

Edited Thu January 27, 2022 4:08pm

Judith

Member since
June 2021

195 posts

Posted Thu January 27, 2022 6:30pmReport post

Prison profiles are interesting. There are disproportionate numbers of people in prisons who are, for a variety of reasons, living on the fringes of society. Large numbers of prisoners have learning disabilities, mental health problems including personality disorders, alcohol or drug dependencies, literacy and numeracy difficulties, have a history of being in care as children or have experienced discrimination e.g. race or gender.

Unfortunately we do not have sufficiently robust services to divert people from prisons into more appropriate support services or to provide education, skills building and treatment within our current criminal justice system. What this means is that there is a revolving door whereby people who cope poorly in mainstream society have repeated admissions to prison. It's not good for the public either who are their victims.

Of course people who commit crime do need to be held to account and should be penalised, but many also need help.

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2548 posts

Posted Thu January 27, 2022 6:55pmReport post

I just pray my son gets the support he needs. He's not a bad person. He certainly feels the punishment side in prison. I'm forever the optimist, keeps me going Judith! X

Edited Thu January 27, 2022 7:03pm

Judith

Member since
June 2021

195 posts

Posted Thu January 27, 2022 7:10pmReport post

I hope so too. There has to be something positive from this.