Daily Mail: I’m one of the UK’s youngest female prison officers at 22

“There are loads of really nice moments where you feel you’re starting to make a difference to somebody’s life.”

In this Daily Mail article, Unlocked participant Emily discusses the positive impact she’s having at HMP Bedford whilst on the Unlocked Graduates Leadership Development Programme.

Emily talks about how some of her best moments are when prisoners tell her they are looking forward to the one-to-one sessions she runs:

‘When a prisoner tells you they’re looking forward to opening up to someone about their feelings, it feels like you’re making a real difference.’

‘We’re not here to judge, so whenever someone is willing to work with us, they get the same respect back.

‘Often prisoners are very open about their past and crimes. There are moments where you do start to see mindsets changing and they see a different point of view which is great.’

Recently all the officers on a wing received hand-written cards thanking them from a prisoner who was getting out:

“My card told me I was wise and emotionally intelligent beyond my years.

He could see I was young, but he could see how much I was able to understand his situation.

Nice moments of appreciation like that give you a boost when you need it, and keep you going when times are tough.”

Read the full article on the Daily Mail online