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“I am an ex-offender, who resided at HMP Send. I first arrived there just over a year into my sentence, a shy and broken woman, with no confidence and minimal hope for the future. I did, however, have a real desire to make a meaningful change in my life and was adamant that I was not going to leave prison in the same position I arrived. I wasn’t going back to drugs and all the other demeaning behaviours that had led me to be vulnerable and lead to my incarceration.
“Within the first couple of weeks at Send, I was allocated a job in the kitchens, which was back-breaking and stressful. I was far too emotionally sensitive and fragile to cope with that kind of work at that point of my sentence. I inquired about other jobs and was pointed in the direction of the gardens, where I discovered The Clink
“The Clink Charity work with people in prison, teaching them new skills. They help fund courses and help people achieve recognised qualifications, inspiring them to do better for themselves. I worked under Steve and Sue in the gardens. They taught me so much; they guided me and helped me believe in myself, giving me skills, sharing knowledge and techniques that would later change my life for the better and spark a lifelong passion for working outside.
“I had my own polytunnel which was a true labour of love that taught me patience and reward, it offered me a quiet, safe space of my own, in an otherwise busy and often chaotic place. In my polytunnel I worked hard and watched my vegetables grow and at the same time I would also grow in confidence and heal my spirit.
“I achieved a work-based diploma in horticulture, which later led to a work placement on temporary leave from prison towards the end of my sentence. This helped me further develop my horticultural skills and knowledge. I was able to save money for my release and readjust a little bit to life outside of prison.
“Since leaving prison just over a year ago, life has been tough. Adjustment takes time. I have had so much help from my Clink support workers Liz and now Nadine. I’ve needed help with ordering a laptop for my college course and on occasions, just needed a friendly familiar person to talk to for advice and guidance. Their support has really helped me stay focused on the important things in my life and they have kept me going when I felt like giving up.
“I have been working in an award-winning team at a university since leaving prison and have continued my education. I now drive tractors since passing my tractor NPTC a year ago and operate a lot of machinery, which I also do all the maintenance for.
“Last June I achieved my first RHS qualification and passed with merit, which I am very proud of. This September I start another RHS course, and I am aiming for a distinction. I participate in community projects through my work, improving areas around the town and I like to volunteer my time to my church, helping out when I can, with their grounds.
“I do things now that I never thought would be possible. My future is full of hope and I am full of ambition. I am ready to take on whatever life has to offer.”
