Update on Daniel and Robert from Channel 4 Programme

Posted on May 12th, 2011 by Piers

A few weeks ago Channel 4 broadcasted Secret Millionaire and the venue this time wasn't a run down area but HMYOI Brinsford. This was a very insightful look at life at the Youth Offender Institute and in particular the lives of Daniel and Robert and their connection to Toe by Toe and the Shannon Trust.

Here is an update to the programme written by Millionaire Piers Linney.

''I’ve had quite a few people asking me for an update on Daniel and Robert since the show was recorded.

Daniel

Daniel was moved to an open and low security prison close to Manchester just after the show was filmed. This is the result of his good behaviour. It also means that he is able to leave the prison for periods of time that will be extended over time from a day to a whole working week.

Having had conversations with Daniel and his mum on the phone, it was great to finally meet his family on the weekend of the royal wedding. I took Daniel, his mum, auntie and grandfather out to lunch. Daniel’s mum has clearly had a tough time as her only son messed up, but his whole family has stuck by him. It was the first time Daniel had been outside prison in two and half years and we discussed how, sadly, many prisoners feel more comfortable inside where they are looked after, can become institutionalised and lose their confidence. We also had a private chat about his aspirations and have the foundations of a plan.


Daniel will not be released until May 2012, but it is possible that he can gain some work experience before then on his days out. He is particularly interested in IT and becoming Microsoft qualified, which was one of the courses he had attended. He said this before he knew what my company, Outsourcery, actually did – it is a member of the Microsoft Partner Network. Daniel is a bright young man who had high aspirations that were deflated until he gave up; perhaps too easily due to impatience and the morale destroying effect of rejection from every avenue he tried. We have some time to discuss his options and plan a new career path and he has made it clear that he is committed and will put the work in.

The reality for many able young people who end up in prison is that, if they thought their options were limited before they got a criminal record, then they are wafer thin on release in a market where 20% of 16 – 25 year olds are unemployed.

Robert


Robert was released earlier this week and is back home with his dad. His has a reading age of a 16 year old and has done a great job. He has his toe By Toe exercise book and is still working on improving his reading. Robert can now start work on his driving lessons. I spoke to Robert and his dad on Monday and we are planning to get to get together very soon to discuss a plan and his plans generally now that he is out. Robert is fundamentally a very kind and likeable lad and this is despite a difficult background. He just needs a break in life.

I look forward to the day that Robert rolls out of some depot in a HGV.''