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“Why should we care about what goes on in our prisons?”

On Brave New Girls podcast, Alex South invites us to look beyond the high walls and barbed wire of prisons, to understand their profound influence on our society. Alex, a former Prison Officer and author of Behind These Doors, gives us a rare glimpse into the lives of people often dismissed as irredeemable. Through her lens, we confront the uncomfortable reality that prisons, as they currently function, fail not just the incarcerated but society at large. Understanding the dynamics within these institutions is essential for anyone who cares about cultivating a healthier society on a healthier planet.

When someone is convicted of a crime, they get banged up, and put on the conveyor belt through the penal system before their inevitable return back into the community. When the conditions within prisons fail to give a convicted criminal the opportunities for rehabilitation, that directly impacts the rest of us.

Alex's experiences across various UK prisons showcased the stark differences that resources, staff expertise, and rehabilitation programmes make. Initially working in a facility where education, work opportunities, and significant staff support encouraged a more constructive environment, Alex witnessed the tangible benefits of a humane approach to people who have been incarcerated. However, her time in a resource-deprived London prison illuminates the grim outcomes of neglect: increased violence, recidivism, and despair among inmates.

The depressing contrast between these environments underscores a critical point: the current system often exacerbates the very issues it seeks to mitigate. With the majority of inmates destined to rejoin society, it is in our collective interest to ensure they are equipped with the tools for positive reintegration. This necessitates a shift towards a model focused on rehabilitation over punishment, recognising the humanity and potential within each individual. Offering educational programmes, vocational training, and therapeutic services within prisons can transform lives, reducing the likelihood of reoffending and creating healthier communities.

Importantly, the well-being of prison staff, who navigate these challenging environments daily, is paramount. Their role in supporting inmate rehabilitation and maintaining safety cannot be overstated, yet they too suffer under a system strained by insufficient resources and staffing shortages. Addressing these issues is crucial for the well-being of all involved.

Alex's journey from witnessing the potential for positive change to confronting the despair of systemic failure is a compelling argument for reform. It challenges us to consider not only the direct impact of prison conditions on individuals but also the ripple effects on community health, safety, and prosperity. Her insights remind us that the path to a healthier society involves confronting uncomfortable truths, demanding accountability, and advocating for a system that truly rehabilitates.

The state of our prisons reflects the state of our society. Understanding and improving the former is essential to healing and strengthening the world we live in.

Here are ten actionable steps for individuals seeking to contribute to positive change:

1. Educate yourself and others about the realities of the prison system and its impact on society.

2. Support organizations and initiatives focused on prison reform and rehabilitation programs.

3. Advocate for policies that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.

4. Volunteer for or donate to educational and vocational training programs for inmates.

5. Engage in conversations that humanize individuals within the prison system.

6. Press for improved working conditions and support for prison staff.

7. Encourage the implementation of restorative justice practices.

8. Pioneer community programs that support reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals.

9. Challenge stigma and discrimination faced by people with criminal records.

10. Vote for leaders committed to comprehensive criminal justice reform.

Through collective action and compassion, we can build a system that not only holds individuals accountable but also offers paths to redemption and societal contribution. Alex South's insights offer a roadmap toward a future where prisons no longer represent societal failure but rather an opportunity for healing and growth

PS. Listen HERE to Alex’s journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help others.