Probation Day Competition Winners!
Written by: Fiona· 22 September 2023
We are thrilled to announce that Elizabeth Fry Approved Premises has won the Poetry category in the regional Probation Day Competition!
Our entry, comprised of poems submitted by three of our residents will now go on to represent the South West South Central Area at the prestigious National Awards as the Poetry nominee.
The judges commended our entry, acknowledging the significant effort invested in it and its poignant reflection on our residents and the Approved Premises environment .
The winning poems are below:
Mans just got outta jail
Everyone is watching expecting me to fail
But I won’t let them see me land back in HMP
I’ll be a success and leave this AP
Not with the fedz but free
All them years sat behind a steel door
All them years wasted like food on the floor
Sat in my cell 23 hours a day
Wondering how my life got that way
23 now been in and out since I was 17
First time in jail ended up in a STC
First few days I was scared, wouldn’t even come out for tea
Then I was in and out of HMP
Acting the bad man, but that weren’t the real me
Most of my time was spent down the block
Thinking they can lock the locks, but can’t stop the clock
Sitting there dreaming of better days
Hoping maybe one day everything will be ok
Out here I’ve got nobody but me
Been cast in the shadows, no longer part of the family tree
But this time I know that I have to succeed, and that starts with me
Here I Am!
Here I am with too many issues, wondering where are the tissues? After you walk a mile in my shoes, you won’t be able to choose. I’ve been to hell and back too many times to remember to ring the bell. To tell anyone it’s been too painful until I’ve been a dribbling mess, being put to the test, all I want is to rest. In my mind it’s all going around in circles, waiting for turtles to go to the moon.
Here I am hiding it all under a pink bloody mask, trying tasks one at a time, hoping happiness comes and lasts. Now you’ve come along with me on my journey, tied up in your own chews. You understand that I’ve had enough shite for eternity, I thought drinking was the answer until I started sinking on a downward spiral instead. Now I’m thinking of picking myself up once again, going forward in my lush bean shoes.
Here I am after the storm, wiping away the tears, spinning around every second, minute, hour with the tissues falling to the ground. Finding myself in a mound, now I’m feeling proud being me amongst the trees, being a busy bee, drinking tea. Now I’m trying my best, after being put to the test, I’m ready for a rest in bed. Still trying my best, no more, no less. So, here I am being me!
The garden
Sitting in the garden on a warm summer breeze
It calms me, my thoughts- thank you for today
The glorious sun is reflecting on the glistening green leaves
The people around talking mobile, walking- hurry, hurry, Not enough time
I got furry yellow dandelions in my grass carpet today
Their heads help up so proud to the sky!
A bumble bee is buzzing gliding to the sweet nectar of his dandelion friends
Pollen all over its face!
Not hungry anymore, full of content..
There’s tall purple foxgloves scattered everywhere
I see soft velvet blossoms delicate like a silk glove,
I see a brown bricked house very close
Very cosy, all well-kept a building block for life
This reminds me of dark crispy brown bread
All very delicious and ready for toast and butter
Clouds like cotton wool racing through the sky above us all over the world.
I see 2 white pigeons, pure beauty in the oak tree -their feathers so white and crisp,
Well-conditioned, happy with contentment
Birds of joy.
I find today rejuvenating
We underestimate the power of nature..
I am so happy for today.
Latest News
12 September 2024
Addressing the Crisis in the Criminal Justice System
Tagged as:News
The Role of Approved Premises particularly for women offenders By Dr. Ann Collins, Recent events, such as the sentencing of rioters, have once again drawn attention to the ongoing pressures within our prison system. Overcrowding has been a persistent issue, with prison staff increasingly expected to deliver services under strained conditions due to continuous […]
10 June 2024
Enabling Environment Award
Tagged as:News
We are thrilled to share that Elizabeth Fry Charity has been awarded the Enabling Environment Award by the Royal College of Psychiatrists! The award recognises our commitment to providing specialised support to women impacted by the criminal justice system.
23 April 2024
Emily’s Story
Tagged as:News
Emily moved on from the Approved Premises in 2022. She continues to receive support from the Charity’s Outreach Worker. Emily’s Story Emily has diagnosed neurodivergence and leads a solitary lifestyle, leading to significant social isolation. She chooses to spend her evenings crocheting, a skill she learnt during her long prison sentence, and an activity she […]