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Thanks to your generosity, The Clink Charity has been able to train over 800 students and deliver over 500 qualifications in prisons this year. Many of these people are now on their way into employment and rebuilding their lives. One of those people is Claire*, who has shared her story with us. We hope you find Claire’s story inspirational and a message of hope at this time of year.
“I started work with the Clink Kitchens in August 2022 whilst in custody at HMP/YOI New Hall. I was then transferred to open conditions and The Clink Kitchens supported my transfer and continued learning plan. I found the transfer to open conditions a little overwhelming but the support received from my Clink resettlement worker was exceptional. [She] has gone above and beyond to help me transfer from one prison to the other and encouraged me to keep going when things looked bleak.
Working with The Clink has given me confidence and new skills, which I have taken with me and [now I am] able to understand food on another level. My tutor was fabulous and extremely knowledgeable, [she] made me feel at ease and if I was unsure or struggling, she would be patient and guide me through the process.
The Clink has been my lifeline whilst in custody; it gave me focus and a goal to work towards that is a transferable skill [I can use] on the other side of the wall. The Clink made my custodial sentence a little easier to cope with and gave me hope.
I would like to thank The Clink and the service it has provided me, and with the skills I have developed, I will continue to progress. Thank you to [my tutor] for coming in at the right time and making me believe I could do it but the major thanks must go to [my support worker]; when I have been at the lowest point, she has made sure that I am fine and [offered] the shoulder to cry on. Thank you for everything that you and The Clink have done over the past 14 months.”
*Claire’s name has been changed.
