A New Direction

A New Direction

The men on our courses have had few privileges in life. The familiar story is one of poverty, abuse or neglect as a child and a lifetime of anger and confusion, from which they escape by getting into drugs. This, in turn, leads to an existence of chaos and crime, devastating everyone around them. Tragically, this also jeopardises their children’s lives and the problems are passed on to the next generation.
Men are being released from prison into society daily without any of the skills needed to make a new start, often early due to overcrowding and frequently with more severe addictions and problems than when they arrived. As a result, the likelihood of their returning to prison is discouragingly high and the negative cycle of crime and addiction continues. A recent article in The Guardian states that: ‘65% of offenders are reconvicted within two years of being released from prison in England and Wales… the prison population recently hit a record 82,180’. (Nicholas Watt, The Guardian, 04.03.08) 
 

Lasting change

Nehemiah has transformed the lives of over 120 men at Brixton Prison in the past three years with its A New Direction course. Consistently oversubscribed at Brixton, the course was the first of its kind in the UK.  A New Direction is just beginning at Wandsworth Prison.
A New Direction turns around men’s thinking, their relationships and their self-image in a ‘tough love’ environment. Men overcome their chemical dependencies and criminal thinking on the demanding six-month course, while also learning the life skills of reading, writing, communication and social interaction.
The men become part of a therapeutic community on a dedicated wing, where they build up enough trust to support and challenge each other. The result is that they become self-aware and are able to permanently change their own negative behaviour patterns using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques. They leave the course a rounded person, able to maintain accountable relationships and stand on their own, equipped with the tools to continue their ‘fresh start’ as a worthwhile contributing member of society.
The men are rewarded for their hard work at a graduation ceremony – usually the first they have experienced. And the cycle of crime and addiction is broken.

The course is tough, but the men learn early on that correction is not rejection. The course leaders speak frankly and openly – holding each person accountable but also in high regard. Classes typically consist of up to 20 men. The men work through the course, answer questions, get up and discuss issues at open mike sessions and attend daily process groups to start understanding their anger. Some men have had chemical dependencies for most of their lives and learning to deal with their deep-seated anger and emotions can be difficult – they don’t initially have the words, ability, trust or confidence. 

The average age of men on the course is 37, although graduates have been as young as 21. The Programme’s key modules include: Drug and Alcohol Addiction; Criminal and Addictive Thinking; Socialisation; Release and Reintegration; and Relapse Prevention.

Nehemiah is also building up a network of mentors to work with the men, which looks set to be an invaluable resource.

On release from prison and having completed A New Direction, the men are encouraged to join Nehemiah’s programme at The Arbour or Victory Lodge – where they receive additional help and are prepared for full integration back into society as a trustworthy and contributory citizen.

In order to run our life-changing programmes we rely on voluntary donations. Please click here to enable this crucial work to continue.