‘Continuously locking people up without actually supporting them achieves absolutely nothing.’
Our Communications Officer interviewed Peer Researcher, Patrick at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court where he is finding solutions to some very complicated situations.
We’re really pleased you came here. Why Plymouth?
Plymouth was one of the cities I’d never frequented whilst running away from myself and my personal demons. I was given the opportunity to come to Plymouth and I grabbed it with both hands. I haven’t looked back since arriving on the 16th July 2014. This is the longest I’ve ever lived in one place.
What other organisations and people do you work with in the city?
Whilst doing my degree at The University of Plymouth, I volunteered with Plymouth YOT (Youth Offending Team), and got involved in setting up the Trauma Informed Plymouth Network. I’m also Chair of Devon’s Narcotics Anonymous Hospitals and Institutions. This entails setting up meetings with the Governors of the three Devon Prisons: HMP Exeter; HMP Dartmoor; and HMP Channing’s Wood; as well as Langdon Secure Mental Hospital where I take recovery meetings for men who can’t get to recovery meetings whilst they are locked away from society. I am currently working with Improving Lives Plymouth as a Peer Researcher and my two-day a week placement is with CASS+ at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
You clearly have a lot of life experience.
What do you think are the reasons that people return to court?
I personally think lack of support with trauma, mental health issues and homelessness play a huge role in people being caught up in the revolving doors of our Criminal Justice System.
What were the things that prevented you from making changes sooner?
Lack of meaningful support and being classed as coming from a multiple disadvantaged background: trauma, mental health issues, addiction, homelessness and tied up within the Criminal Justice System. It left a sour taste in my mouth.
I was struggling for over three decades of my life. If this support had been more readily available, I may have recovered sooner.
What are the solutions to these issues or barriers within our system?
Continuously locking people up without actually supporting them achieves absolutely nothing. It’s really sad when people feel safer in prison than on the streets. Doesn’t this show how bad our system has failed and continues to fail our communities and the most disadvantaged within our society?
What’s your advice to anyone who finds themselves facing these issues?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It doesn’t make you look weak, it’s actually a sign of strength.
Tell us why you’re feeling so fulfilled now?
I’m really enjoying working with CASS+. Each day is a new challenge. I meet people affected by the system. They are paralysed by money worries, especially around debt and homelessness. These are the real reasons for them being at our door. They don’t think anybody is interested in them, so they really do appreciate the help when we give it.
I hope I can inspire others to believe that with the right support, it really is possible to start afresh.
Please do get in touch if we can help.
If you face any of these issues, please pop in to any of our offices inside these courts, 9.15am – 4.30pm:
Newton Abbot (Mon-Thu)
T: 01626 337214
M: 07539 837104
Plymouth (Mon-Fri)
T: 01752 601153 / 206187
M: 07949 455158
Bodmin (Thursdays only)
T: 01208 78003
M: 07949 455443
Truro (Mon, Wed, Thu)
T: 01872 274104
M: 07949 455443
Patrick is now a vital part of the CASS+ team – find out more here.