A clients words of a long serving prisoner being released...

"There was a time I could go to any jail, in any part of the country and my name would have been known . Walking on the landing people would stop me or call me over for a chat. I was well liked , well known and popular , we were brothers , we were family. 

Out here, its like a different word,   people don't know me , and it is lonely walking around with people looking right through me ,everyone ready to judge without knowing the facts. I always wished for my freedom thinking please don't let me die in these gaffs. I had so many dreams and hopes of making up the years of missing out on life. I expected it to be the the same as when i went in all those years ago , it wasn't. I no longer wish for a long life . In the arena yield not to the oppressor"

This client has had long term support from Prisoner Support Services   , and had to overcome challenges  on a daily basis  having never lived independently  . They now are proud to have their own home and resettled back into the community . This client demonstrated those classed as institutionalised can be rehabilitated if supported in the right way.