Back to News menu
To help recognise and celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, we gathered some contributions from the fantastic women at The Clink Charity.
My name is Grace and I am a Resettlement Support Worker at The Clink Charity. My work starts within the confined walls of the prison environment, supporting individuals, often with complex needs, to rebuild their lives.
When they are not training in the kitchen, I have regular meetings with our students regarding their welfare, life beyond prison and what change looks like, dependant on their needs.
Once on the outside, we are their voice, mind and sometimes their shadow. We work with graduates on the day-to-day challenges many see as normal – for example: budgeting and household chores.
We start off simple and work towards building their confidence to tackle life as a person, not a prisoner.
Why you enjoy your role
As well as working at a Clink Resettlement Support Worker, I am a therapist for the NHS. My vocation sees me interact with individuals with common mental health problems. In the industry, we often have moments of real progress, where the graduate and I experience a moment of self-growth and development.
Often, our grads have low self-esteem, but it’s incredibly satisfying to help them find themselves, discover their voice and work towards a life not involving crime.
Why is working with people in prison important to you?
I wanted to work in the prison system because I was curious and felt people in prison are not heard. The Clink provided a space for me to apply my knowledge of my support skills and developing therapeutic studies.
I am also very interested in neuroscience and how humans’ nervous systems operate. During my time at The Clink, I have seen how the justice system often fundamentally fails men and woman within the prison setting.
A lack of resource and understanding of complex mental health concerns are frequently the cause of many issues. Through my work, I hope I can help develop a common understanding that it is often the system that is flawed – not the people within it.
Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
When first established in 1911, it was designed to promote equal rights and enable them to do many things we take for granted in 2024 – for example: vote, drink in public establishments and even wear trousers.
There is still a long way to go, however. In 2022. America decided they would make abortions illegal in 24 states. this law was decided by 12 men. I continue to support International Women’s Day in the hope that one day these laws will be decided by men and women.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am proud to work alongside some incredible women. Each woman at The Clink is inspiring and brings many skills to the charity. Managing kitchens, events, accounts, front of house. Even closer to home, the amazing Lisa-Marie and our CEO, Yvonne Thomas. Having a female CEO is encouraging for people like myself, who really want change in a positive way.
The women in my life are also hugely influential. Despite the challenges they have faced, each one has handled them with integrity, grace and fortitude. I am proud to be a woman.
#InternationalWomensDay
