My name is Jason Barnfather and I am an Influencing Intern at Switchback. I’m excited to share my journey with you.
I will be writing a three-part blog series on relevant issues regarding recall, rehabilitation & release, and resettlement & employment. I will be speaking about issues such as mental health, overcrowding and transferable skills. Using my experience in the justice system I can provide valuable insights based on my firsthand account.
I am grateful for having this platform to be able to share my thoughts and get people talking about the right things. Writing this has been somewhat therapeutic for me, to reflect and gain perspective on my journey through the system. Changing perceptions is important for real change to begin.
The timing of this blog series couldn’t be any better with the general election happening and lots of talk about prison reforms. I hope to raise awareness and be heard over the crowd but most importantly to bring about positive change. Here is part 2…
Three months left to serve, every second thought I have is to do with release; where am I going to live when I get out? What work can I do? What skills do I have? How am I going to get by? How will I travel? Who can I ask for help?
I have progressed to a C-category prison with a better regime. I start the day at 6.30am, I read a little and sip my coffee while waiting for the cell door to be opened at 8am, then go through security to get off the wing and I head down to the Clink Bakery where I work. Work is finished at 2pm then it’s back to the cell until dinner at around 4.30pm. I get two hours or so to eat, shower, get laundry done, speak to whoever I need to and then its lock up at 7pm latest until the morning. Now I’m finally in a routine time is moving quicker. I have been back inside for a year and every other thought is what am I going to do when I get out.
So, I am employed by the prison, I have gained some qualifications and I have an intention to live differently and stay out of prison this time. I have started rebuilding relationships with my family and people I care about. I have a mentor that I meet once a week where I reflect on myself and then I set goals to achieve. I am starting to see a change in my thinking and behaviour.
In the last six weeks I have been bombarded with pre-release paperwork, probation and job centre appointments. The whole process seems rushed out of nowhere and my housing situation is uncertain, I have been allocated a probation officer, but we have never met or even spoken. I am anxious to connect with them and talk about the next steps.
“You’re going home today Mr. Barnfather” as I repeat what I just heard in my head the anticipation, excitement and joy churns and knots in my stomach into anxiety, panic and fear of the realisation that although my time in prison is over, resettling into society is another huge challenge I have to face. After being told last minute the address of my Nacro CAS-2 property (a hostel for ex-offenders) I am finally escorted out of the building…
My mentor met me at the gate and came with me to probation. Having someone there helped me make a good first impression and establish good communication. I have sorted my housing benefits, toiletries and food now I can finally sleep in a proper bed.
I am getting the right kind of support now; my immediate needs are met and I can plan for the long term and work towards achieving my goals. I am in the gym regularly and I keep in contact with organisations that invite me to events and activities. They also send me job openings and training opportunities.
This time feels different. I have done some self-reflection and identified my issues which has had positive effects on my mental health. I am beginning to see myself as a part of the community again. Now it is time to live life differently.
