The Most Wanted Criminal in Britain
On Wednesday, 5 February 2025, Paul Walmsley gave a presentation for SLSJ Extra. It was no ordinary talk - challenging and inspiring students and academics alike. Paul spoke of his highly unconventional road to becoming a Research Fellow in Children's Rights, and Co-Founder of the Social Brokers CCE.
This route included his Norris Green upbringing in a large family headed by a dad trading in the black economy (crime). Paul was himself ensnared into this world and, at one stage, was the most wanted criminal in Britain. Paul was on the run for many years, but eventually handed himself in to face justice and prison.
Paul shared insights into drug misuse, and, in particular, the harms of cannabis, and how he turned his life round to effect change for the better. Being an autodidact, Paul was prepared to learn from every experience, available course, and person he encountered. Most significantly, this was not just to better himself, but to share his learning in the hope of preventing others going down similarly rocky roads.
Paul spoke with humour and humanity, and was keenly interested in the students present, many of whom he already knew, as they volunteered at Brokers CCE (which supports local citizens struggling with the pressures of living in deprived communities). If we're lucky enough to speak to him again, don't miss the chance to take control of your own destiny, as Paul has his.
Change, Live, Grow: Rehabilitation at HMP Liverpool
The team from 'Change, Live, Grow - HMP Liverpool', presenting at SLSJ Extra.
The following Wednesday (19 February 2025), we had a complementary talk to Paul's from the drug rehabilitation team at HMP Liverpool. The trio (Lauren, Ian and John), gave insights into the abyss prisoners face when suddenly removed from their daily lives and incarcerated with others in a holding cell: how they're confronted with the stench (particularly bad in the summer) and the terror of violence (usually related to encountering an opposing gang member).
As Lauren said, prison is a place where scores get settled! There is also the isolation (phones are removed and if the men haven't memorised numbers, the one call home they're allowed can't happen). Many have enduring mental health problems and are on prescription medication, most have addiction(s) and associated health problems and, initially, they must go cold turkey with all the flu-like symptons and anxiety that that brings.
But - HMP Liverpool can also be a place of hope. Prisoners can have their addictions and health needs addressed (at least to an extent). There is councelling, therapies, training, and access to a dentist (unlike many people on the outside!). They are given regular meals and a roof over their heads, something many won't have had for a long time.
Their chaotic lives that are left on the outside become subject to routine and support and, for a receptive few, opportunities to turn their lives around, as Paul Walmsley did after his stint in prison.
Both these presentations offered volunteering opportunities and insights into careers supporting offenders and socially excluded groups. We hope to have these speakers back and others like them, so don't miss out on future SLSJ Extra events.
— Louise Hardwick (SSPC Employability Lead)