Jon's Jail Journal (by Shaun Attwood): 2019

Many individuals leave prison without owning a bank account, which can have a knock-on effect as they try to get back on their feet. Bank accounts are integral to many parts of daily life, including work, housing, receiving benefits, and as a form of ID, so if an individual doesn’t have one, they may struggle to adjust to life after prison. Recently released individuals may not meet the eligibility criteria set out by banks for their standard account, but there are still some options open to them.

There are several channels of support that aim to help individuals get a basic bank account (or other form of account) after leaving prison. With financial stability so crucial in helping people to build a life after prison, this article looks at how they can improve their chances of getting their own bank account, as well as some of the challenges they may face.

Link: https://www.knowyourmoney.co.uk/current-accounts/prison-bank-account-guide

It was great to read how my book donations to schools have influenced the student who sent the email below. Your purchases of my 10 books have enabled me to donate 20,000 books to schools and prisons. Here's the email:

Dear Shaun,

I am writing to you regarding your book ‘Hard Time.’ When you visited my school Warden Park in Sussex a few months ago, I was intrigued by your story. Your experience in prison in Arizona and the violence around you was extremely interesting, so when you mentioned you were giving 20 books out to people asking questions, I knew I had to get one to find out more!

As I listened to your story, I had so many questions in my mind and as people started raising their hands, I raised mine of which I was nervous to do so! I was picked to ask my question and you handed your book over to me.

I have never been a strong reader or a lover of books. In fact, if I was ever gifted a book, it would take me months to get through the chapters; let alone finish it. So when I took the book home, I left it a few weeks until I started reading it. To my surprise, I instantly attracted to the book and couldn’t put it down. I am now just pages from the end and race through it everyday - which is a record for me!

My parents have always worried about my reading and how much I struggle in English lessons. They nag me to read all the time but I never saw the importance and the difference it would make. This year, I have been put into top set English and I am doing especially well in my literature lessons.

I believe if it wasn’t for your visit to my school, I feel I wouldn’t have had the realisation that reading will help me and impact my grades. I am looking forward to reading ‘Party Time’ and ‘Prison Time’ in the future! Thank you very much for doing what you do and I hope you have a good new year.