'Life Beyond Crime: What do those at risk of offending, prisoners and ex-offenders need to learn?' was the collection of the responses to the first annual Monument Fellowship question.  There were more than 60 contributions from serving prisoners, ex-offenders, artists, academics and many criminal justice practitioners.  We wanted to hear about their experiences as contributors.  Some of these are given below.

Comments from contributors

“I have found the essays in the book fascinating, inspiring and provocative. I hope to meet more  of the contributors in the future.” Tom Millest, Parole Board

“The book launch … made me feel proud that my experiences might go on to help others feel a little better in some way and your efforts to do the same warm me" Gareth Evans, Cambridge University Institute of Criminology

“The book a fantastic achievement, an important resource for anyone interested in making the prison system safer, more humane and ultimately more effective in promoting better outcomes for its many “stakeholders” Tom Pauk, prison visitor

“It was lovely to be in a room of such inspirational people. It is such things which power me to do the best I possibly can for the people we work with.” Clare O’Sullivan, HMP Frankland

“I found the atmosphere and discussion provocative and emotional, so thank you so much for involving me, I feel very privileged to have play a small part.” Corin Morgan-Armstrong, HMP Parc

“It was a real honour to be a part of the book launch, and great to meet both yourself and Gerard as well as hear more about the work of the Monument Trust. I haven’t yet managed to read all of the contributions, but of those I have read there were many that moved me. I also found the open discussion during the launch very affecting; I think it’s so important to be addressing these themes… from my experience, the prison environment is severely lacking in emotional intelligence/understanding/awareness, and the more we can discuss crime and punishment within this context the better.” Ella Whittlestone, HMP Peterborough

“I thought the event was great and I have already started to promote the book to our postgrad students. Whilst I am still ploughing my way through the contributions, what is immediately clear is that the voices of contributors retain a sense of optimism and authenticity, despite the obvious challenges facing HMPS.”  Paul Hamilton, Nottingham Trent University

“I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and am finding the book so interesting. What a privilege to be part of such a great project.” Ruth McFarlane, Open University

“It was a great event and the book is brilliant, we need more books like this as it shows how many different prospective there are on this subject.” Shirl Tanner, Sussex Pathways