This course was started by me as a distraction technique—going to prison wasn’t on my to-do list! The course evolved into far more than just a distraction; it became a positive exercise in remembering vital elements of self-respect. I have my pride back and will work to keep it. My core values have always been important to me, but to actually have a lesson to input and follow those values has been very useful—a real eye-opener. It made me realise how I can do so much more to benefit myself and help others in my journey. I want to be a successful person. This HMP journey will benefit me in the long run somehow. I won’t let it justify me—I am in control.

Jo W., HMP Eastwood Park

It has boosted my self-confidence and has given me the skills to avoid situations and people which may be harmful to me. I can challenge people and be more aware of people’s feelings.

Rezwan I., HMP Dovegate

I’ve benefitted in a few ways, studied hard to use values more often, and much more than that, I’ve learnt throughout this course. I’m also training to be a peer mentor; the values are so alike.

Stuart B., HMP Swaleside

I think this course helped me to accept full responsibility for my actions and already changed my thinking of that. I’m not going to be in the same environment as many criminals when I get out. I’m happy to do some more training in and out of prison to give me a better chance at a well-paying job and career.

Romanas R., HMP Winchester

This course has allowed me to expand on my own understanding of my thoughts/feelings whilst also better understanding the thoughts/feelings of others and learning how to maintain respect for all emotions, actions and thoughts.

Joseph M., HMP Lowdham Grange

Having completed the Recovering Self-Respect course, I act with others in a more focused and positive manner. I blow up less, and people can see that when I do lose it, I handle myself correctly. I would recommend to others to be more real with themselves and do a course just like this.

Michael A., HMP Oakwood

“Thank you for opening my eyes to see a better way to live.”

The whole course helped me re-evaluate most aspects of my life. It made me think and realise that my actions have repercussions on others as well as myself. Acting in a good, kind and respectful manner can give both myself and others a happier and more fulfilling life. Thank you for opening my eyes to see a better way to live.

Daren J., HMP Oakwood

Firstly, I would like to thank Criminon for their time and patience. I appreciate the funding for being able to do the course. Secondly, I have enjoyed studying. I have a feeling of solace which will contribute to me respecting myself more and engaging with others more effectively. Lastly, I strongly believe the skills and knowledge learned from this course are transferable, and I will endeavour to use them in potentially problematic situations.

Kurtis M., HMP Featherstone

This course has helped me to understand the process of human interaction better. This allows me to be able to identify where things go wrong and be able to better a situation. The course was quite extensive, and there were also parts which I fully understood already. But getting confirmation that your knowledge is correct is very helpful and a confidence boost. Thank you.

Erion N., HMP Highpoint

Firstly, this course opened my eyes to areas of my life where I thought my behaviour was okay, but after some thought upon answering the questions, I soon realised that I needed to make some changes in my approaches to situations. Otherwise, I would end up making similar mistakes that got me into prison in the first place. Once my thought processes were truly being considered to better myself and my impact upon situations, I came to realise that a lot of my issues derive from habitual drug abuse as well as alcohol misuse. Now that I know where my problems have arisen from, and I now have the tools and mental resilience to turn away from a drug-use lifestyle, I truly believe that part of my life is in the past, and the people in my life I care about can be safe in the knowledge that I am a changed man.

This course has also made me thankful for all things in my life that I enjoy, like music and spending time outside with my family. Through reflection, I have realised that it is through small changes that are compiled together that a lifestyle change can happen. My life was changed forever when I was sent to prison. This is because I embraced rehabilitation and accepted responsibility for my wrongdoing. I then changed my habitual behaviour for something more productive. Small improvements made me feel successful.

Thomas R., HMP Risley

I have learned so much from this course. The benefits are overwhelming, and I can teach others some of the things I have learnt when needed. I will be doing more of your courses. Thank you.

Luke H., HMP Frankland

“I believe I have benefitted from this course because if my children would grow up to be half as virtuous as examples in this course I would be a proud and confident father and actually feel like I’ve finally made a contribution to the world…”

This course has took me back to the fundamental necessary behaviours one should live by dignity, integrity, honour etc. that I feel are becoming a forgotten trait in today’s social media society. I believe I have benefitted from this course because if my children would grow up to be half as virtuous as examples in this course I would be a proud and confident father and actually feel like I’ve finally made a contribution to the world instead of all the misery and pain I’ve caused.

Justin H., HMP Woodhill

I have benefitted from this course in many ways and understandings. I have learnt to treat people how I would like to be treated. Respect everybody for themselves. Respect all religions and beliefs. Help people in need. [I am changing] my ways more positively, and feeling peace and thinking about a better future, thanks to the Recovering Self-Respect course.

Dan B., HMP Stocken

I was honestly blown away from lesson one at how simple—even obvious—some of the themes were because yet still I never saw the need to apply them. Self-respect is a thing a lot of prisoners looked for in different doorways. For me, my self-respect was based on who I dated, but I started to re-evaluate some old ways. I’ve passed the course pack on to my sibling, praying/hoping he’ll take good advice. God bless Criminon.

Timothy M., HMP Bure