A former prisoner is set to work at G4S-managed HMP Altcourse in Fazakerley near Liverpool, to deliver a substance misuse recovery programme to help prisoners struggling with addiction.
Reformed prisoner returns to deliver drug rehabilitation programme at Fazakerley prison
Charlie Meadows spent 14 months at Altcourse over 12 years ago, where he received support from the prison team to overcome his own addiction.
Since his release, Charlie has built a career as a programme facilitator with the Riverside group based in Liverpool, helping others to overcome their substance misuse problems.
Over the next year he will be working with the interventions team to deliver the Stay Out and Recover (SOAR) programme to prisoners on Altcourse’s substance misuse recovery unit.
“It’s really exciting to come back to Altcourse to deliver the SOAR programme,” Charlie said.
“When I was a prisoner there, I received support from staff which had a major positive impact on my life - which goes to show rehabilitation can, has and will continue to work with the dedication and commitment of the Altcourse team.”
Since his release, Charlie has built a career as a programme facilitator with the Riverside group based in Liverpool, helping others to overcome their substance misuse problems.
Over the next year he will be working with the interventions team to deliver the Stay Out and Recover (SOAR) programme to prisoners on Altcourse’s substance misuse recovery unit.
“It’s really exciting to come back to Altcourse to deliver the SOAR programme,” Charlie said.
“When I was a prisoner there, I received support from staff which had a major positive impact on my life - which goes to show rehabilitation can, has and will continue to work with the dedication and commitment of the Altcourse team.”
Rehabilitation is at the heart of what we do at Altcourse. Many of the men coming to us will have been trapped in a viscous cycle of reoffending, sometimes fuelled by addiction. Programmes like Stay Out and Recover (SOAR) provide a real opportunity to break that cycle and allow prisoners to rebuild their lives.
SOAR follows the 12-step approach to recovery used by organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). SOAR participants are also encouraged to attend weekly NA and AA meetings in the prison chapel to support their recovery.
Director at HMP Altcourse, Steve Williams said:
“People like Charlie are invaluable to Altcourse, as he knows first-hand the difficulties that prisoners are facing and can provide real insight and support for the men on these programmes.
“Rehabilitation is at the heart of what we do at Altcourse. Many of the men coming to us will have been trapped in a viscous cycle of reoffending, sometimes fuelled by addiction. Programmes like SOAR provide a real opportunity to break that cycle and allow prisoners to rebuild their lives. I think he will make a great addition to our interventions team.”
Director at HMP Altcourse, Steve Williams said:
“People like Charlie are invaluable to Altcourse, as he knows first-hand the difficulties that prisoners are facing and can provide real insight and support for the men on these programmes.
“Rehabilitation is at the heart of what we do at Altcourse. Many of the men coming to us will have been trapped in a viscous cycle of reoffending, sometimes fuelled by addiction. Programmes like SOAR provide a real opportunity to break that cycle and allow prisoners to rebuild their lives. I think he will make a great addition to our interventions team.”