PRACTICAL TIPS AND HELPFUL HINTS
Some Problems That May Need
Facing After Release
On release, there is usually a
considerable period required to adjust to being out
of prison. The ex-prisoner has to get used to making
decisions again, what to eat, what to wear. He will
not be used to opening doors, sleeping in the dark,
making telephone calls, travelling by public transport,
going into a shop. Many of the normal day to day activities
will require courage at first. He may feel that everyone
is watching him, waiting to see how he will react. It
can be tiring coping with conversations, knowing what
to say when asked about his occupation etc.
Some may have nightmares and depressions.
To come to terms with the fact that he has been a prisoner
and to be able to handle painful memories can sometimes
take a long time. I think it does help the prisoner
to be warned of these possible difficulties in advance.
He can then set his mind against succumbing to such
problems and adjust more easily.
There are those who do not encounter
these difficulties and swing back into life with great
enthusiasm, just happy to be back in the ‘real world’
and able to get on with their lives.
Aside from getting used to the simple
mechanics of living again, there are weightier problems
that need to be given a lot of attention. Families hurt
by the imprisonment will not automatically fuse back
together again. Both the ex-prisoner and the family
or loved ones will have changed during the separation
and both have been under great strain and had great
problems to tackle. Wives, husbands, close friends and
relations have been hurt too during the prisoner’s confinement,
and a lot of loving, patience, understanding and tolerance
is going to be needed. The time for the prisoner to
decide on his attitude, whatever the future will hold,
is while he or she is in prison. Both will be looking
for sympathy and help and understanding. Perhaps the
ex-prisoner could be helped to recognise that he needs
to give his family extra support, help and be extra
patient if the relationship is strained at first.
The question of work is also very
often a major problem. Anything that can be done to
help in this area is very well worthwhile and crucial
to the ability of the prisoner to make a success of
their life on the outside.
Friendship After Release
The CSD does not want members to
keep in touch with prisoners after release.There have
been incidents where prisoners have abused the relationship
with their friend after release. The PFA feels that
all members need to take care in entertaining the idea
of remaining in contact with the ex-prisoner. You need
to think this over and decide for yourself. The PFA
does not forbid contact with ex-prisoners and our constitution
specially mentions we are to be friends both before
and after release.
Some prisoners want to remain in
touch. At other times, although you may have imagined
that friendship with him whilst in prison may have been
excellent, he may not share this point of view. The
prisoner may have been desperate for any contact while
in prison. On his release, he has many other opportunities
for friendship.
Furthermore, you are still part
of the scene that he would rather forget, and as such,
he may not stay in touch. If this is the case, do not
be discouraged. Your part has been played and you are
needed elsewhere.
If your friend has no one to meet
him on his release, and both you and he would like you
to be the one to do so, then think over the implications
and decide carefully. May be this will be the start
of a pleasant relationship outside the prison.
It is a vital part of the visitor's
job to help the prisoner to think positively about restructuring
his life successfully after his discharge.
Other Activities To Promote
If you have any particular skill
such as handicrafts, music, sport and you feel you would
like to run a group to take part in such, activities
we would encourage you to do so. Please contact us in
the first instance to discuss how best to proceed. These
activities may possibly be on-going regular activities
or a “one off” concert, match or other activity. |