Google ‘Feltham prison’ and you are likely to be sat in front of your computer screen trawling through endless horror stories. And based on this, you may feel that young offenders serving time should remain locked up – forever.
So I wanted to write this blog to share some positivity I found on a visit to Feltham, with an initiative working with young offenders at the prison. I felt it was important to offer a different experience, and some balance, to the majority of stories you will read.
But first let me tell you about what I knew about Feltham before the visit. You see, I am from Haringey in north London – and was well aware of the prison long before Google existed. The word Feltham got thrown around a lot in my youth. But interestingly, it was used by many as some kind of badge of honour. To some, having been in Feltham made them untouchable on the streets. It secured their status as people not to mess with. The F word was feared – but for all the wrong reasons. You weren’t a proper ‘bad bwoy’ if you hadn’t been…
Despite all of this, as soon as I was asked to take part in a Dragon’s Den event at the prison I jumped at the chance. Why? Curiosity – yes. But mainly because I believe young people deserve a second chance. And I recognise that without the support my parents offered me maybe I would have ended up in trouble, too. Life deals everyone a different hand.
Organised by Principles In Finance – a non profit, training organisation that aims to re-integrate the principles of personal financial management into the community – the Dragon’s Den event brought panellists, who had enjoyed successful careers, into the prison to listen to 14 young offenders business ideas. The winner would be given a cash prize to help get their business started while working with Principles In Finance.
The event was a real eye opener. The young people presented their ideas in front of 60 fellow young offenders at the prison and delivered their pitches incredibly professionally. They had clearly put a lot of hard work into the initiative. Many of the ideas were themed around creating work for ex-offenders, so the young people could support their families and be more likely to avoid reoffending. They weren’t just thinking about their bank accounts – they wanted to lead a movement.
Our panel of Dragon’s held their work in such high regard that instead of rewarding one winner – two fellow panellists kindly donated additional funds so three of the young people had the opportunity to develop their business ideas.
As I walked away from the prison I reflected on what I had experienced. These guys wanted to better themselves. These guys weren’t just talking, they were proactively preparing for the next phase of their lives. These guys were committed to change.
I did not get the feeling that these young people will treat their time in Feltham as a badge of honour. Instead, I believe and hope – with support and an opportunity – they will put the F word behind them, and use their skills to help others to do so too.
I am no expert in working with young offenders, but I saw just how valuable and important Principles In Finance work was in Feltham that day, and am proud to have played a small part in the success of this event.
For further information on Principles In Finance please go to – www.principlesinfinance.com