Public Services learn about life behind bars

Our public services students found out about the harsh realities of prison life during a day of insightful workshops with national educational charity The No Way Trust.

The Trust’s core aim is to raise awareness among young people about the causes, consequences and penalties of crime and the effects of antisocial behaviour. Its work is of particular interest to our students as some are considering careers in the police or armed forces.

Our Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma students heard presentations from National Co-ordinator Malc Parkes, a former prison officer, and from ex offender ‘Matthew’ and took part in some lively discussions.

Said Malc: “We set out to dispel the myth that prison life is easy and hopefully to stop young people getting into prison. We also need to show them that crime is not always related to gang culture, drugs and guns. Anyone can go to prison if they break the law.

“We’ve also used the opportunity at Reaseheath to explain how the prison service works, what jobs are available and what they entail. The students were very interested, particularly in Matthew’s story, and asked a lot of questions.”

Level 3 Diploma student Chris Powell, 17, said: “The talks were really interesting and made me realise that you can’t judge offenders  until you know about their background and circumstances. I want to go into the police so it was also very useful to understand how the service works.”

The No Way Trust has reached over 4.5 million young people by holding awareness days in colleges, schools and youth groups.

Find out more about studying Public Services at Reaseheath here.