Interviews with Graduates

Interview with two very different Criminon graduates.

The first is Ian, 38 years old now living in Bristol.

Can you tell me how you ended up going to prison?
I was on drugs and robbing to pay for them.
I had been in prison before and now I had just given up on life.

How long was your sentence and how long did you serve?
I served 6 years of a 10 year sentence.

Before you started the Criminon programme, how were things going in prison?
It was rough I was all mixed up.

Why did you decide to do the Criminon programme?
I wanted to better myself and not go back to my old life.

Was there a turning point for you while you were on the Programme?
Yes while I was reading the Way to Happiness, something happened.

Can you give me some benefits that the Criminon programme has given you?
Everything! It woke me up and helped me to discover things about others and myself.

Did you take part in any prison courses?
Yes I did R&R. The prison courses didn't work I didn't learn anything.

How did the Criminon programme differ?
They were easier to understand, all as clear as day. The Handling Drugs course was the best ever drugs course that I've done because it uses a non drug way of getting people off drugs.

Can you tell me about your life now?
I have a home and my son is living with me. I was working as a courier and minicab driver but I am off sick at the moment as I am having operations to sort out a leg problem.

How does your life now differ than before prison?
I won't take the risks anymore; I stop and think. I have taken on the responsibility of my son and I don't ever want to go back to committing crimes.

The second is Tasha , 25 years old who has four children and lives in Jamaica. She was convicted for bringing drugs into the UK

Can you tell me how you ended up going to prison?
Life was rough and I needed money for my family and kids- I had never been to prison before.

How long was your sentence and how long did you serve?
My sentence was 5 years and I served 2 ¹/2 years.

Before you started the Criminon programme, how were things going in prison?
Things were very difficult. I needed something to occupy my mind. The course motivated me. In prison life was hard and boring and I needed something to do after work rather than just sit in my cell.

Why did you decide to do the Criminon programme?
Because I thought it might help me and I could learn from it.

Was there a turning point for you while you were on the Programme?
Quite near the beginning of the first course it helped me to see things differently, to be honest with myself and therefore with others.

Can you give me some benefits that the Criminon programme has given you?
It changed me in a lot of ways. I used to be quite nervous and I would lose my temper and get angry. Now I don't. Also it has helped me with understanding words and language better.

Did you take part in any prison courses?
Yes I took many. Pre-release course, team work, health and safety, personal development, painting and decorating course, English course and Enhanced Thinking Skills.(ETS)

How did the Criminon programme differ?
It was different because it helped you learn for yourself. I had the booklet and I could go back to it and sort out anything I didn't get. The ETS was a one on one and I had to go back to the tutor to get help, not help myself.

Can you tell me about your life now?
I have only been back in Jamaica two weeks after being deported. So I am living with my mum and looking for a job. The kids are at summer school.

How does your life now differ than before prison?
I am much calmer now and I think before saying things. Also I am more positive now.