Shortly after arriving at HMP Thameside, I decided to offer to support my peers to learn to read and write. Having done Peer Mentoring previously at other HMPs, I was aware I would feel a degree of satisfaction. Having said this, I was blown away!

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My learner started on the Mini Manual and by Manual 2 he wrote his first ever letter to family and children. By the end of Manual 3 he is now working with Families First in sending a DVD of him reading his youngest daughter the first story he has ever read to her. This is massive and the joy surrounding this is unexplainable.

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I can only thank Shannon Trust but to their staff who not only gave me this opportunity but their passion for the role is inspiring and infectious. This has been a big help around my recovery as it can allow me to esteem myself and there are no words that can explain how grateful I am!