The Chain Garden — Jane Jackson

Brought together by their crimes, the prisoners, young offenders and young people at Bridgend's Parc Prison share their stories of life on the other side of the security walls. Whether they are hardened criminals, prolific offenders or teenagers in trouble for the first time, they all have one thing in common - they had a life outside. Through their creative writing workshops, these prisoners have put into words their feelings and experiences about doing time at Parc Prison and talk about their hopes for the future. Half of all prisoners have the reading skills of a child of 11 or younger, rendering them virtually unemployable and creating a vicious circle that only encourages a return to crime when they are freed. This book is the result of new initiatives to improve basic skills in prisons and makes compelling reading. About the Author Prisoners from Her Majesty's Prison and Young Offenders Institute Parc, Bridgend, have teamed up to share their experience of life behind bars. The writers are from the prison's core groups: 15-17-year-olds, 18-21, adults and vulnerable prisoners.