Criminon UK Programme Completion
"After completing my final Criminon
course, I never expected to hear from them again, out of sight
out of mind right?
Well I was very pleasantly surprised to hear from my local co-ordinator
about a year and a half ago. She offered support in any way possible,
and offered unconditional friendship that is so rare to prisoners.
Over the following months I had many requests for addresses and
advice, which I received constantly, no queries or judgement.
"I would like the address for…." "no problem".
As a direct result of her support and guidance, I was able to
establish a programme to teach students and pupils about addiction
and the realities of crime. I needed addresses of people who might
help financially, as it was proving expensive on a prison wage.
Within 8 months, she had given me countless addresses, and I
am not going to try and guess how many hours she cursed me while
searching!!
That led directly to an award ceremony on 18th June 2003, at
a prison in Surrey, and I was allowed a guest. Alison was the
only person I wanted there, when I went to collect my award and
a cheque for £300, I was given the chance to say a few words.
After thanking the people who gave me the money I got my chance
to thank her in person and in front of a group of people that
would never guess how much support one person could give another.
I was smiling all the way back to my normal prison, because I
got to thank a friend in person and given the chance again I would
do the same.
So just because a course seems too long or you cannot think of
a reason why you should finish it, think of what it could lead
to in the end.
THE WAY TO HAPPINESS® Course really was
that way for me. I went from selfish Con to a useful person all
within 3 years. People never know what is around the corner but
having completed all the Criminon courses, I know I would have
been still a Con without them.
Now I am no longer just a number, all thanks to one person's
selfless help and support."
(This inmate is serving a life sentence and has produced newsletters
to go to schools from himself giving pupils a real idea of the
consequences of drugs and crime)
