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The Clink Charity is proud that this year, we have trained over 500 people in prison, and with the help of our support, mentoring and training staff, 72% of all Clink graduates released this year have gone into employment. That compares with just 17% of the prison population overall.
We would like to end the year by sharing Lisa’s* story, one of our Clink Events’ graduates, who explains how training in the kitchen at HMP Downview has led to a new job and a sense of pride on release from prison. We hope you find Lisa’s story inspirational and a message of hope at this time of year.
“I come from a corporate background, so working as a chef now seems like a leap from that. I have a history with cooking and baking through my family, so it’s less of a jump than you might think. I’ve always had a love of food, and baking in particular is my passion.
When I started at The Clink, I was in HMP Downview. My first day felt like starting a new job on the outside; I had my responsibilities and the rules explained to me. I got my qualification in Downview; I had to go back to basics and learn the correct terminology, how to cut up a chicken, prepare vegetables, everything you need to know in a kitchen. We made food for Clink Events, it could be a banquet or a function, and I learnt a lot about fine dining.
It was like you weren’t in prison when you were at The Clink, you were at work. Learning new skills was important and served me well on release; having that bedrock of knowledge stood by me because there were jobs available that I could get. I had no support financially so it was reassuring to know I could find work and I had the right skills.
I worried about stigma and what employers would think about my past. I had negative thoughts that they would judge me based on old behaviour and not see the person I am today. That’s where my support worker was key – she knew me and my story, there wasn’t any judgement. She was there to help.
Today, I’m a Chef de Partie. I’m in charge of two sections in the kitchen and I supervise junior colleagues. Things are a lot better and I feel like I’m on the right path. I’ve been approached by different companies who are interesting in hiring me; it’s nice to be in a position where you can choose who you want to work for. I’m proud of myself.
The support from The Clink on the inside and outside was pivotal for me. They’re not just there when you’re in prison, they stay with you and that makes a big difference. In the future, I want to start my own baking business and I’d like to have children one day. Prison made me evaluate my life and what’s important. It’s not about money; what matters is your loved ones and your health. All the luxury stuff that you want or feel you need, you don’t. You just need food and a roof over your head.
Since being released, I’ve started volunteering outside of work. It’s a local foodbank, and we support people who are struggling. One day a month we do a get-together community lunch. I do the cooking and baking for that too because they know I’m a chef. That time is really important to me, I arrange to have the same day off each week so I can do that charity work. Before I went to prison, I don’t think I ever would have volunteered – I had a completely different outlook on life. People are surprised when they hear I’ve been in prison now, but it shows that anyone can go to prison, and anyone can change.”
*Lisa’s name has been changed.
