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Also I have come to like most of the Listeners with whom we deal.
Often the best Listeners are the longer term prisoners and that usually
means those on a life sentence or IPP (Indeterminate (sentence) for
Public Protection) for a serious crime such as murder - although we do
not enquire as to their offence they sometimes volunteer it. Oddly
enough these are often the ones I like most. Ours is a Category C
training prison, so the population is starting its road to the exit,
achievable only through good behaviour, so perhaps we have it easier
than others. Going into a prison, even a Category C prison, even
knowing you have a key and can walk out again, is intimidating, but I
feel immensely privileged to do it, not least because it gives me some
insight into the current debate about the revolving door of re-
offending.
All this sounds distinctly pious. I have to say that my fellows in the
branch are not in the least pious. Some of them are distinctly salty. I
like the story of the octogenarian lady who, asked by a particularly
pestilential caller what colour knickers she was wearing responded
sharply ‘What makes you think I am wearing any’! If you have a
particularly challenging call there is a system in place to ensure that it
does not come to dominate you – a sort of metaphorical hand on the
shoulder – but it is friendly and comfortable rather than forced.
It seems almost impertinent to be writing about this. I am sure that
there are other Sirmoories who have a great deal more experience than
I, but this is a very personal view. If my experience has whetted any
appetites, please look up your local branch, ask about information
evenings, and take it from there. Don’t think you will regret it. If, on
the other hand, this has driven you to despair, the number to call is
08457 90 90 90.
Major Sudan Dewan BEM writes on:
UK Bhelas
It is not surprising that over the recent years the tradition of holding
various theme-related bhelas (events or gatherings) on an annual basis
is increasingly becoming popular among not only the Nepali