Some Problems That May Need Facing After Release

On release, there is usually a considerable period required to adjust to being out of prison. The ex-prisoner has to get used to making decisions again, what to eat, what to wear. He will not be used to opening doors, sleeping in the dark, making telephone calls, travelling by public transport, going into a shop. Many of the normal day to day activities will require courage at first. He may feel that everyone is watching him, waiting to see how he will react. It can be tiring coping with conversations, knowing what to say when asked about his occupation etc.

Some may have nightmares and depressions. To come to terms with the fact that he has been a prisoner and to be able to handle painful memories can sometimes take a long time. I think it does help the prisoner to be warned of these possible difficulties in advance. He can then set his mind against succumbing to such problems and adjust more easily.

There are those who do not encounter these difficulties and swing back into life with great enthusiasm, just happy to be back in the ‘real world’ and able to get on with their lives.

Aside from getting used to the simple mechanics of living again, there are weightier problems that need to be given a lot of attention. Families hurt by the imprisonment will not automatically fuse back together again. Both the ex-prisoner and the family or loved ones will have changed during the separation and both have been under great strain and had great problems to tackle. Wives, husbands, close friends and relations have been hurt too during the prisoner’s confinement, and a lot of loving, patience, understanding and tolerance is going to be needed. The time for the prisoner to decide on his attitude, whatever the future will hold, is while he or she is in prison. Both will be looking for sympathy and help and understanding. Perhaps the ex-prisoner could be helped to recognise that he needs to give his family extra support, help and be extra patient if the relationship is strained at first.

The question of work is also very often a major problem. Anything that can be done to help in this area is very well worthwhile and crucial to the ability of the prisoner to make a success of their life on the outside.

Friendship After Release

The CSD does not want members to keep in touch with prisoners after release.There have been incidents where prisoners have abused the relationship with their friend after release. The PFA feels that all members need to take care in entertaining the idea of remaining in contact with the ex-prisoner. You need to think this over and decide for yourself. The PFA does not forbid contact with ex-prisoners and our constitution specially mentions we are to be friends both before and after release.

Some prisoners want to remain in touch. At other times, although you may have imagined that friendship with him whilst in prison may have been excellent, he may not share this point of view. The prisoner may have been desperate for any contact while in prison. On his release, he has many other opportunities for friendship.

Furthermore, you are still part of the scene that he would rather forget, and as such, he may not stay in touch. If this is the case, do not be discouraged. Your part has been played and you are needed elsewhere.

If your friend has no one to meet him on his release, and both you and he would like you to be the one to do so, then think over the implications and decide carefully. May be this will be the start of a pleasant relationship outside the prison.

It is a vital part of the visitor's job to help the prisoner to think positively about restructuring his life successfully after his discharge.

Other Activities To Promote

If you have any particular skill such as handicrafts, music, sport and you feel you would like to run a group to take part in such, activities we would encourage you to do so. Please contact us in the first instance to discuss how best to proceed. These activities may possibly be on-going regular activities or a “one off” concert, match or other activity.