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Support for offenders post prison

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SAL

Member since
December 2021

895 posts

Posted Thu May 30, 2024 8:48amReport post

My partner has been out of prison for 6 months now. On the whole he is doing OK but as he starts to think about finding employment and filling his life again, he's been struggling. He is fearful of putting himself out there, both deeply ashamed but also concerned about being recognised or having to weave a web of lies to cover his past. I suspect this is a very common feeling. Is there any support avaliable? Do you have any advise on how your person went about building their life and confidence?

We have moved to somewhere new, but his case was covered in a newspaper that covers a large area.

Ocean

Member since
September 2023

774 posts

Posted Thu May 30, 2024 12:31pmReport post

Hi Sal, good to hear from you and I'm pleased your OH is doing ok. I think the fears you have mentioned probably stay with our people for a very long time if not for life.

Having to complete 300 hours community service helped my son gain some confidence. He was also advised by his therapist to achieve small goals and feel good about them on the first rung of the ladder before moving on to the next rung. Initially it was having to go into a shop at any time of the day, this progressed to going into the shop and walking around the shop etc. He has now got to the point that he has joined an adult only gym which he goes to late in an evening, will go out for lunch and has a zero hours contract behind the scenes in a fast food shop that asked if he had a conviction on his application form but didn't ask him for any further details in his interview.

We still live at the same address that was printed by the media but have not had any negative repercussions.

Upset mum

Member since
June 2020

2403 posts

Posted Thu May 30, 2024 1:27pmReport post

Hi Sal

Good to hear from you, and pleased you are both doing ok, 6 months already wow it has flown by x

Maybe contact Circles they are growing quiet quickly and provide a lot of support etc I'm not sure how long it takes but I am hearing a lot of positive things about them, they have people based all over the uk , I will definitely be seeking support from them once my son is near to getting release x

Life feels over

Member since
September 2022

412 posts

Posted Thu May 30, 2024 8:40pmReport post

Hi SAL, I have no answer but imagine that this is very normal at this point particularly with past media attention. I hope he finds his way through this anxiety. Is a name change something he could consider to give added security? x