SUE'S STORY

Before coming to The Learning Shop, Sue would not leave her cell. She was a prolific self harmer who had no confidence and was unable to function in a job or in education.

Sue was involved in The Learning Shop for two years. Her story illustrates the path she has followed and the work of New Bridge staff in raising her self-esteem and improving her sense of well being.

“I was a very scared person at first and I didn’t like talking to anyone. I would always sit on computer 11 and I would get upset if anyone else was on that computer. I liked that computer as it was nearer to the reception desk and I felt safer.

When I started in The Learning Shop I didn’t know anything about computers, but soon I learnt.

I started as a voluntary orderly but now I am full-time paid orderly and I know all I need to know about computers.

Most of the posters you see around The Learning Shop and the prison have been made by me. I enjoy helping the girls with publisher when they want to make cards for family. I really get a buzz out of helping them.

I have come out of my shell since working in The Learning Shop; I’m not that scared person I used to be.

I have been on an ACCT most of my prison sentence and a self harmer but now I’m off my ACCT, this is because I’ve had a lot of support from staff in The Learning Shop. The staff are not just our bosses, they are very good friends, they always have time to listen to us when we are feeling down, I find it easier most of the time to talk to them than to an officer.

I would like to thank them for all the help they have given me and I will miss them when I go.

The Learning Shop is a godsend to all girls in HMP Low Newton.”

The Learning Shop staff worked with Sue at her pace and with no set expectations. The first couple of sessions achieved very little. Sue was unable to communicate and clearly feeling fearful and exposed in a new environment.

Gradually, staff were able to encourage Sue to turn on the computer and produce some simple pictures and documents, slowly increasing her confidence. With lots of praise and encouragement, Sue was introduced to other tasks as her skills developed.

Staff have the time and patience to listen to each woman talk about the issues in her life. They often have no one else they feel they can trust. Concerns about the future, family links and other relationships can be barriers not only to learning and participation in the regime but are central to a woman’s sense of worth.

Because of the nature of her offence, Sue was shunned and sometimes abused by other women. Some prisoners would refuse to work near her or even enter The Learning Shop if Sue was present. (The Learning Shop staff sometimes help clean up other prisoners who have been spat at in the corridor on the way in).

The Learning Shop was the only place in the prison, outside her cell, in which  Sue felt comfortable. As her confidence and skills developed, staff asked her to start helping others with their work. Prisoners who were previously hostile became accepting of her assistance. This trust in turn, further increased Sue’s confidence and self esteem. Staff observed that Sue was more outgoing and communicative.

Sue was appointed as an orderly in The Learning Shop. She retained this post  and became an invaluable part of the team until her release. Sue recognised the importance of her role and prison staff appreciate, as well as she does, that she is changed woman. As Sue’s testimony confirms, she came off her ACCT and was not considered at risk from self-harm when she was released.