TESTIMONIALS
Teacher - County Lines - Royds Hall, A SHARE Academy, Huddersfield 13/11/24
Fab engagement. Really good examples given and real life scenarios. Very important and valuable for students life understanding
Teachers - CHOICES Royds Hall, A SHARE Academy, Huddersfield 13/11/24
Brilliant - thank you guys. Should be done in all schools. Full of information, pupils all engaged as well as staff. Amazing.
Powerful stories with powerful messages. Thank you for sharing and being so open.
Teacher - Prison & Replica Prison Cell - Brayton Academy, Selby 11/11/24
Very interesting and interactive with the pupils. All very engaged asking lots of questions as well as learning lots.
Teacher - Prison Life 18/10/24 PARKSIDE ACADEMY
It was a great workshop for the children and they were very receptive to the questions. Brought to life the reality of prison life - fascinating talk. Fantastic experience of the mock up prison cell too! Excellent insight with personal stories from people that have worked in prison. Brilliant!
Teacher - Choices 17/10/24 OUTWOOD ACADEMY BISHOPGARTH
The workshop was excellent. It was very well balanced - hard hitting at times whilst also being entertaining and funny. Pupils will certainly understand what life in prison is REALLY like. Engaging story telling and the children asked loads of questions and the honest and accurate stories told were eye opening to the students and has corrected some misconceptions.
Teacher - Knife Crime 17/10/24 OUTWOOD ACADEMY BISHOPGARTH
Brilliant engagement with our young people. Put situations into contexts they understand, really relatable. Pupils had an opportunity to consider their own role in crime and what they would do. Very interesting and the PMNW presenter had a wealth of knowledge which made the students think about the consequences of carrying a knife. Thank you!
Teacher - County Lines 11/10/24 KELVIN HALL
The presenter created a very positive atmosphere in the classroom, connecting well with the students. Students were involved in scenarios and the presenters humour had the class eating out of her hand. Students certainly learned a lot about the gang behaviour in county lines. They were provided with real life examples of the dangers of being involved. The session was interactive . Students asked relevant questions, which were answered adequetly. Overall, it was a positive learning environment, which the students definitely benefited from.
Student - Wolfreton 10/10/24
The car safety lesson really changed my perspective on speeding and using your phone while driving. Also county lines lesson was really interesting and I’ve learned a lot of serious information in a fun engaging way.
Student - Thomas Alleynes 26/09/24
The first talk we had, ‘Choices’, from an ex prisoner was absolutely fascinating but heartbreaking. What stood out most to me out of the day was Melanie talking about her life and how/why she got sent to prison, I found it very moving and showed me that you should be more careful about what you do and who you associate with. That really stood out from the day to hear about her life choices. I think that it will impact me in the future because of how bad they were saying prison is and that you can lose friends and relatives for what you have illegally done. I believe it will help me be more aware about the dangers of what can happen to you and will have a positive impact on my future choices.
Student - St John Wall 04/10/24
I learnt to make good choices and be smart with what you do. Also not to get into crime because you will end up with a consequence no matter what you’ve done.
Student - Castleford Academy 12/07/24
(I learnt) the importance of the choices we make and the freedom we have in society. Its in our hands to make the right ones. You don’t have to fall into the wrong crowd to get into trouble; although it may have its impacts it’s always your own choice.
Student - Kettlethorpe High School 06/09/24
It made me think about how life can be difficult for some people. I now know more about the dangers and what is and what isn’t safe. I believe the day had a very positive impact on myself and others.
Student - St John Wall 18/07/24
The day altogether has taught me various things which I can do keep out of a lifestyle that will lead me to prison. It opened my eyes to reality in how severe and dangerous life and its consequences will be. Now being Self-aware, I believe I will always be mindful of my actions.
Teacher - South Hunsley 21/07/24
Fabulous session, great content. The two prisoners spoke well and engaged the students - making it relatable as their journey shared while still in year 9 and explained how they had got to where they are.
Teacher - Castleford 12/07/24
Made the pupils think about the consequences of their actions. the session also gave the pupils a glimpse into what prison is like. Very informative and engaging
Teacher - Lincoln Christ Hospital 15th of June 2024
Amazing session. Having serving prisoners really had a strong impact on the students. It was hard hitting and the shock factor really made the students think. Excellent session!!
Teacher -Lincoln Christ Hospital School 15th June 2024
Students were engaged and were asked their opinions. It was pitched to keep them interested. Good mix of video + discussion.
Rachel Hull, Head of APEX - Snaith School 1st July 2024
Everyone was so lovely and friendly and I think the down to earth nature of those delivering the sessions helped the kids feel immediately at ease too. I can't tell you how many Year 9 students have stopped me on corridors today to tell me how much they enjoyed yesterday too so truly, it was a huge success and we are very grateful to you all!
Teacher - Winifred Holtby, Hull - 18/6/24 - Choices
Students were enthralled, the workshop was honest and open which resulted in a big impact, interested to hear about reading, meditation and self help. Had a lasting impression on everyone in the room. Thankyou!
Teacher - Winifred Holtby, Hull - 18/6/24 - Knife crime
Very valuable. Hard hitting, clear and direct instruction/information, gave the students choices but told them of the consequences. very informative & honest with them, stats were invaluable to hear, session was aimed at the girls as much as the boys, necessary truths.
Teacher - Audenshaw Boys, Greater Manchester - 17/6/24 - Drug Awareness
Very valuable. Loads of knowledge for the boys and their choices, the boys where engaged and excellent message for them and their future choices.
Teacher - Audenshaw Boys, Greater Manchester - 17/6/24 - Life Sentence
Very valuable. students hooked & hanging onto the speakers every word. The car set up with the students worked really well as did all the videos provided.
Teacher - Lincoln Christ hospital school- 13/6/24 - county lines
Really strong delivery of county lines and what is involved. Very knowledgeable and engaging for the students, a real strength was the pace, kept things moving throughout and the interactive nature with discussions and videos was successful.
Teacher - Cox Green School 11/6/24 - Great Western Railway
Really engaging topic and mannerisms. Honest and frank presenter. Message certainly went in, very moving. Raised awareness of less obvious threats to safety. A real-life lesson.
Teacher - Manor Croft Academy, Dewsbury - 23/5/24 - Life Sentence
Very powerful and valuable. Students were fully engaged with the topic, while he was friendly and comedic with the students, the message really hit home with students by the end. Thank you so much for sharing what must have been such a painful experience with them.
Teacher - Manor Croft Academy, Dewsbury - 23/5/24 - Knife Crime
Very powerful and meaningful impacts for the students. Forced them to think about reasons and consequences of carrying a knife is essential. Very relevant and engaging. Good mix of interaction/video clips (age appropriate) and serious discussion. Thank you.
Teacher - Ian Ramsey Academy, Stockton on Tees - 20/5/24 - One Punch
Very valuable. Extremely important for our pupils to see this can happen – hopefully will make them think. Pupils were captivated throughout. Resources were excellent too.
Teacher - Bridlington School - 9/5/24 - Prison Life
A very informative and eye-opening insight into prison life. Thank you! Pupils were engaged and asked questions. Really informative clear and concise info. Great interaction with students.
Teacher - Trinity Academy - 2/5/24 - County Lines
Very valuable session. Very well led - expertise, wide range of knowledge/information imported. Lively and engagingly led. Very good use of Q&A. Difficult topic handled well. Many thanks.
Teacher - Crofton Academy, Wakefield - 1/5/24- CHOICES
Really engaging. Had an amazing rapport/connection with the students. Students were engrossed. Very hard hitting talk I am sure it has made the students think. Excellent delivery. Our hard to engage students were so switched on.
Teacher - Carleton High School, Pontefract - 24/4/24
Very valuable, well delivered- knows her stuff and related well to the students, very honest and got to the level of the students, explained everything clearly and involved the students! Seemed to impact the students a lot.
Student - Houlton High School, Rugby - 23/4/24
I found really important and inspirational how with choices she made some bad decisions and she has realised what happened and why it happened and how she’s tried to make a really positive change to society. I also learnt that even being around a person that has done crimes that you knew of can get u into trouble.
The most important thing I learnt from that day his how easy kids can be lured into to doing something illegal. Think about all of the decisions your making becuase you dont know what it can lead you to. I also took away many new facts I never knew before and I learnt many important things for example you should always think for yourself, don’t follow others in doing the wrong things because you want to ‘fit in’.
Student - Beckfoot School, Bradford - 16/4/24
I enjoyed when we got to talk to the ex prisoner because he told us what can happen if we make bad choices in life and I also like how kind all the prison me no way people were and it teaches me about the future and what my consequences could be if i do something bad that could get me in trouble with the police. The staff were awesome.
Teacher - Outwood Academy valley , Worksop - 15/4/24 - Domestic Abuse
Very valuable, some really good discussions had by the whole group, speaker really good at facilitating discussion, especially from quiter students, use of social media and language like ‘icks in relationship’ made it accessible and engaging for pupils. Also allowed for plenty of debates and discussion, very eye opening. Students will have learnt plenty from this lesson. very good.
Teacher - Kings School, Hull - 09/4/24 - Prison/Choices
I also believe bring out prisoners was a really good idea as we connected almost instantly thank your so much for reading my review on this amazing day I have had with the PMNW and I would love for them to come back one day.
Teacher - Cottingham High School, Hull - 09/4/24 - Choices
The honesty and candour of the presenters was excellent. Students found the information hard hitting. They got some understanding of the day to day experience of prisoners and was engaging and informative, questions asked and answered throughout. Students was extremely focused and both presenters where extremely approachable.
Teacher - Cortiani School, Hull - 26/3/24 - Prison Life
So engaging for the students and also very informative about the system. Seeing the prison cell gave great insight. Pupils really enjoyed being able to ask questions. So open and engaging for students. Thank you.
Teacher - Marvell college , Hull - 21/3/24 - One Punch
Taught a very valuable lesson about emotions, self defence and the law. The debate and discussions had between the students were incredible and really informed them and educated them well.
Teacher - Trinity House , Hull - 18/3/24 - Knife Crime
Very valuable. Informative, gave useful facts about knife crime and experiences, made the students think, showed them the harsh truths, a very clear message delivered. Students responded well.
Student - Spalding Academy , South Lincolnshire - 14/3/24
Student 1 - I found it really interesting and I got to learn new things I would love to do it all again.
Student 2- Overall I feel like the day was very informative, the lessons were very fun and I am glad that the workshops were very interactive and allowed us to physically do something within them like the Red Cross lesson.
Student 3- I think that learning about the past experiences from ex-prisoners will help me to learn what mistakes not to make in my life.
Student - Finham Park School, Coventry - 08/3/24
Everything was good. The choices talk we got was the best part of the day and the first aid lesson was very informative. I think it was a good day to take part in and experience what life would be like if we made the wrong choices.
Students - Rushden Academy, Northamptonshire - 07/3/24
Student 1- interesting and fun because we were able to participate and learn about how bad choices will come back to you even if you never did something wrong and you were around criminals like drug dealers.
Student 2- very good and enjoyable. It wasnt filled with worksheets and still was interactive and the people that run the workshops are good aswell.
Student 3- I loved it, it was really good and i learned a lot. I loved B’s story, didn't get bored the whole hour and learned a lot. He's a really cool and nice guy. The prison is in the truck was very cool to see and interesting. The gangs and knives session with Ben was hilarious, he's very intriguing.
Student 4- I found the day as a whole very informative and motivational because learning how different things work in court and how you can be treated in prison, hearing the stories really impacted me because the outcome could have been so bad. It was a great day and i would love to do it again.
Teacher - Parkside Primary School, Goole - 01/3/24 - Prison life
What a fantastic session! Really informative and delivered in a way way which fully engaged the children. Questions were answered appropriately and the story telling and delivery of the session, really pictured a clear picture of prison life. The cell really helped them understand.
Teacher - Driffield School, Driffield - 29/2/24 - Domestic Abuse
Very valuable. Instructor spoke in a way that was very clear for students to understand. Students should have a better understanding of all forms of abuse. Really powerful. Lillie was so clear and encouraged safe and productive conversation. It made a serious issues acceptable to talk about and really tackled issues they face in school. So good!
Teacher - Ormiston, Maritime Academy, Grimsby - 27/2/24 - County Lines
Very valuable, the students did not have a lot of knowledge of county lines before hand, all information and relevant. Excellent delivery, and kept the pupils engaged.
Teacher - Ormiston, Maritime Academy, Grimsby - 27/2/24 - Choices
Very engaging. Spoke well with the students and they were generally very sensible and engaged with the guests. Was fantastic, student engaged and intrested. Had great interaction with students and vice versa. Really enjoyed this session.
Teacher - The Garibaldi School, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire - 22/2/24 - Knife Crime
Students were very engaged from the start of the session, lots of student involvement and relating to the topic to the lives of students. Overall very useful and informative for students.
Teacher - The Garibaldi School, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire - 22/2/24 - Domestic Abuse
Very engaging . Age appropriate. Pupils were hooked. Using a Nottingham case was good to see a local example. Dynamic presenter and lot of different views used.
Teacher - West Walsall E-ACT Academy, West Midlands, 21/2/24 - Domestic Abuse
Content was very thought provoking with valuable information regarding domestic abuse. Behaviour was good due to engagement in discussion and videos and addressing students. Students where engaging in positive discussions that generated unique and informative feedback/answering.
Grandparent to student - Hornsea School School and Language College, East Yorkshire 19/2/24
Well done guys... My grandson at Hornsea Eastgate school told us they had a visit from you guys.... They thoroughly enjoyed it apparently, it was 'ACE', they learnt alot.... Thanks for the work you guys do educating our young 👍... From a retired Prison Service Colleague @ HMP Hull Thankyou so much
Students - Hornsea School School and Language College, East Yorkshire 19/2/24
Student 1- How my choices effect my future and that everything is down to you and you can not blame someone else for your own actions.
Student 2- Your choices impact more than you first imagine them to.
Student 3- Don’t carry knives because you’ll just end up stabbing yourself, don’t lead a life of crime.
Teacher - Hornsea School and Language College, East Yorkshire 19/2/24 - Online Safety
The workshop was very valuable, Lillie was clear and informative and the ground responded really well having some honest conversations which were educational for the students regarding how to be safe. It was a really good session and Lillie was really good at presenting the info- talked about difficult subjects in a way students understood. Really good to hear this off other people and give real examples.
Teacher - Castle View Enterprise Academy, Sunderland 15/2/24 - Prison Life
Prison is all about loss; you could literally feel that when we visited the cell. Real life, hands on experience allowed students to put themselves directly in that situation.
Teacher - Ingleby Manor Academy, Stockton-on-Tees 14/2/24 - Choices Session
The session provided by the Prison Officer and Prisoner emphasised the long term consequences and loss of freedom even after release. The relationship between prison staff and prisoner was an excellent anecdote for students. The youth of the prisoner was beneficial for students to experience. Thank you so much.
Student - Ingleby Manor Academy, Stockton-on-Tees 14/2/24
Don’t hang around with the wrong people and be mindful of what you are doing and if you should be doing that or if you should be there at that particular time and to not make bad decisions later on in life and to not do stuff now that can effect me later.
Teacher - Admiral Lord Nelson School, Portsmouth 9/2/24 - County Lines
Students were engaged and had their eyes opened to the dangers of exploitation. Some will sadly know people in their areas that are involved. Clear focus on keeping them safe and away from CL’s and showing there is a way out.
Teacher - Cowplain school , Portsmouth 6/2/24 - County Lines
Very valuable session - students engaged in the session and understood the different ways recruitment into gangs can happen. Hopefully giving them signs to look out for and to keep themselves safe. You communicated brilliantly with the students.
Teacher - Goffs Churchgate Academy, Hertfordshire 29/1/24 - Knife Crime
Very valuable session. Good for our students to see the impact of knife crime. Whole session was extremely eye-opening and engaging for all.
Teacher - Fir Vale School Academy Trust - 19/12/23 - County Lines
Content is extremely relevant to the age group. Some students may have not heard of county lines before so having a safe environment and expert to talk to them is very helpful. Class was very interested and students have learned new terminology, I also loved how you have used the students to explain examples of county lines. Super valuable experience for our pupils!
Teacher - Fir Vale School Academy Trust - 19/12/23 - Domestic Abuse
Very valuable session. Lillie shared personal perspectives which helped engage the students. Full of facts and definitely got the students thinking - more awareness of red flags. A fabulous session, thank you!
Teacher - Bridlington Headlands- 11/12/23 - The Law
Very valuable. Approached some very difficult issues. Generally very well received by the kids. The cell in the van brought the reality home for a lot of the kids.
Teacher - Pearson Primary - 08/12/23 - The Law
Majority of children unaware of some laws such as punching, slapping or assault. Had great discussions of hate crimes. Very valuable as it’s cleared up any misconceptions the children had about the laws in this country.
Teacher - Dorchester Primary - 07/12/23 - One Punch
One of the most powerful workshops that while the content was difficult the fact he delivered it so well and to watch young children be really mature shows how impactful this was for them. I hope to God this will last with them forever.
Teacher - Dorchester Primary - 07/12/23 - The Law
Very valuable, very impactful to have a police officer too. Pupils were highly engaged- very important messages were shared that were pertinent to the community. A very engaging start to the day.
Teacher - Dorchester Primary - 07/12/23 - One Punch
Very very very valuable session. Amazing delivery where approach encouraged the children to make their own mind up - really impactful.
Staff - East Yorkshire Pupil Referral Unit / Special School - 05/12/23
Thank you to your team for their recent visit. Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day and even today many have been talking about visiting the prison cell and having the knife crime talk. Their favourite so far was the prison talk, listening to the guest speaker and looking around the cell. We absolutely enjoyed the day and look forward to working with you again in the future. Staff are very knowledgeable and worked really hard to keep pupils engaged.
Teacher - Hathershaw College - 22/11/23 - County Lines
Students really engaged in the session. Some good ideas and lots of misconceptions adressed. Videos led to lots of discussions which helped improve their knowledge of how children can get trapped. The session led to some good discussion and role play worked brilliantly.
Teacher - Essa Academy, Bolton - 14/11/23 - Life Sentence
So eye opening, think students were challenged well and understood the impact of small actions. Powerful, thank you!!
Student - Thomas Becket Catholic School - 9/11/23 - Choices
Its inspiring how you changed your life around. Keep up the good work and don’t give up.
Teacher - The Parker E-Act Academy, Daventry - 8/11/23 - Choices
Super informative. Students were so engaged. Very strong message over how choices impact life. Very impactful and helpful to develop our kids. Thank you for sharing your story.
Teacher - Elloughton Primary School - 24/10/23 - Northern Power
Informative and relevant to the age group. Clearly explained and pupils felt comfortable to ask lots of questions - which allowed the children to see the real world risks of electricity and how to keep themselves safe. Brian worked hard to make the material easy for the children to understand. He encouraged respect of electricity rather than fear.
Teacher - Elloughton Primary School - 24/10/23 - Prison Life
Very valuable session. Children had plenty of time to share knowledge and ask questions. All pupils were acknowledged and all were engaged in the session and interested to learn about prison life. Pupils benefited from the cell experience to enhance their learning and understanding.
Teacher - St Thomas More Catholic Primary School - 16/10/23 - Prison Life
Children were so excited by the prison cell van and had so many questions. The information was very useful and the children were able to ask any questions so they had a full understanding
Teacher - St Thomas More Catholic Primary School - 16/10/23 - ABS
Every child was engaged in the day. One kept telling me this was the best day ever. Another thought the day was over early and was really disappointed. The staff were professional, relatable and had a wonderful way of interacting with the children. Overall amazing day!
Teacher - Roundhay School - 09/10/23 - County Lines
Josie was really engaging and kept the students attention throughout. They will have appreciated the frankness and honesty. Treated them with so much respect!
Teacher - St Charles V.C Academy - 02/10/23 - ASB
Showed a good understanding of appropriate cause and consequence, really engaged with the students and helped them understand Anti Social Behaviour - all levels of it. Thank You!
Teacher - St Charles - 02/10/23 - Prison Life
Children engaged throughout. Delivery of information was excellent and again pitched perfectly. Enough to make children think without being ‘too much’ Fantastic session!
Teacher - Sydney Stringer - 22/09/23 - Choices
Your ability to engage students is fantastic, you are ‘real’ and our students have taken so much from this so have I. You do not need any presentation or resources - your story is enough.
Student - Sydney Stringer - 22/09/23 - Drugs
Really interesting and good to mention energy drinks and alcohol as drugs as we just seem to think these are okay but do not know about health risks. I like how you seem to not judge drug addicts - educating rather than scare mongering.
Teacher - Outwood Academy Portland - 22/09/23 - County Lines
Excellent explanations regarding County Lines, the students were fully engaged. Interactive with students throughout, informative and thought provoking. Thank you!
Received by email 19/9/23
Just got to say, I'm 24 now and i STILL think about the prison no way not me day we had in secondary school and how much i was affected by the day. I was a good kid and didn't have any behavioural issues but oh my goodness it helped me so much to become more empathetic and be more actively aware of the 360 view of criminals and prisons. Just wanted to say thank you.
Teacher- Brayton Academy- 12/09/23
The lead teacher of the day commented that they were in awe of you all. They had never witnessed such a diverse day. The school have already booked for 2024. You certainly inspired them!
Teacher- Brayton Academy- 12/09/23 - One Punch
’’Powerful information that got students thinking. Very valuable for the students. They definitely benefited from seeing the two different stories. Thank you for accommodating 2 groups last minute.
Teacher - Holyhead North Wales - August 2023
’’It was a pleasure to have you and the team here once again and can you share my thanks with everyone for delivering such personal accounts and an informative day. I was proud of all the young people during the day and do hope that this intervention does have an impact on how they think and behave in the future. Thank you!’’
The Snaith School June 2023
’’Thank you so much for coming into The Snaith School and passing on your knowledge and experiences with our Year 10 pupils. As you can see from the feedback forms, they really enjoyed the day and got a lot out of it. Many Thanks, The Snaith School.’’
Teacher - South Craven Academy - 18/07/23 - County Lines
Really good! Delivered in a way the Students found interesting, very informative. Students listened well and asked lots of questions regarding County Lines.
Teacher - South Craven Academy - 18/07/23 - One Punch
Excellent session. Real life case study really helps to maintain interest and participation of class. Well structured to get students ‘‘hard thinking’’. Made students think of actions before carrying them out. Thank You.
Pupil- Castleford Academy - July 2023
’’Choices affect more people then you realise, its important to stop and think. Before an action may have greater consequence then first antisipated.’’
Pupil- Castleford Academy - July 2023
Four things I have learnt from today.
’’How a lot of small mistakes can have big consequences. Trap houses are unwillingly taken from mainly the elderly. People in Category D prisons are aloud a few home visits a month. What cells look like for prisoners serving a prison sentence.
Teacher - Seaham academy - 17/07/23 - One Punch
Fantastic session- Engaging all the way through. Lovely use of a real life story and build up to the outcome. Valuable for both boys and girls and teaches them that actions leads to consequences.
Pupil- Tupton Hall- 13/07/23 - Choices
I really enjoyed the choice and consequences workshop. the Prisoners story was very interesting, and I learned something important. I feel more confident in actions and safety now.
Teacher - Sirius North - 30/06/23 - County Lines
Very valuable workshop- really relevant to our students, encouraged really in depth discussions. Think it opened their eyes to the reality of getting involved in this! Thank you!
Teacher - Woodham Academy - 27/06/23 - One Punch
Very valuable, hard hitting and really engaging so many opportunities for pupils to reflect and consider the consequences of their actions.
Teacher - Belmont community School - 26/06/23 - Choices
I really enjoyed the choice and consequences workshop. Sofiya's story was very interesting, and I learned something important. I feel more confident in actions and safety now.
Teacher - Rugby High - 22/06/23 - County Lines
Very insightful, very knowledgeable and relatable to the students. All students very engaged asking and answering questions. Really enjoyed it! Thank you Josie.
Teacher - Rugby High - 22/06/23 - Domestic Abuse
Good presentation of Domestic Abuse, pupils fully engaged in workshop. Pupils had time to discuss. Lillie had a good presence in the room - talking to students like an elder sibling, very approachable a nice atmosphere was created. Thank you!
Teacher - West Yorkshire School - June 2023
I just wanted to thank you and your team for an amazing day. Our students (and it is a particularly tricky year group) were so focused, enthused, engaged and challenged to think really hard about the choices they make and will have to maybe consider in the future. I would advocate any school to book a day with your team, it is so vital and we can't deliver this kind of life experience in school without your work. As always, an awesome day.
Student - Cox Green School, Maidenhead 14/6/23 - Choices session
In my opinion the Choices session in the theatre stood out the most from the day because it was a real eye opener of how going to prison impacts not just you, but your friends and family as well.
Head of Department - Yorkshire School June 2023
As a school, we really look forward to welcoming you and your team each year. Our students - and staff - get so much out of your workshops. It's the one event that every student remembers from their time with us. Several of the teachers who accompanied students today came to tell me what an amazing day they had and how impactful it was, for staff and students alike. We have some characters in Y8 and yet the absolute vast majority were in sessions and engaged. That's testament to you and your team, so thank you! You are without doubt our favourite guests and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Teacher - Anglo European - 16/05/2023 - Prison Life
Gerry was very engaging and had the students captivated by the stories. It was excellent to have the replica of the cell made the students immerse themselves in the world of prison! Good reality check for them. Students had lots of questions!
Teacher - Anglo European - 15/05/2023 - County Lines
Impactful presentation. Speaker made the information interesting and relatable students were fully engaged. Thanks.
Teacher - Anglo European - 15/05/2023 - Knife Crime
Striking content, very detailed examples; a real eye-opener for young teenagers. Very well delivered, students very attentive and engaged.
Teacher - Crofton Academy - 04/05/2023 - One Punch
Very engaging delivery. The class was very quite (to quite in fact!) Paul brought them into the discussion. Really informative about the law/self defence etc. Important for students to see both sides and discuss their viewpoints - hard hitting and impactful. Especially as this has happened in our community! Thank you.
Teacher - Crofton Academy - 04/05/2023 - Choices
Very valuable - pupils completely engaged in the session. Great real life examples - showing pupils how easy it is to go to prison. Prisoner also showed how easily she became involved in crime also provided valuable thinking parts for the pupils. Thank you!
Teacher - Spalding Academy - 28/04/2023 - Domestic Abuse
Very informative. Gave students a lot to think about, mixture of discussions, videos and music which kept the students interested. Good examples of the different types of domestic abuse.
Teacher - Carlton High school - 26/04/2023 - CEOP
Relatable and engaging. Very informative and allowed students to ask questions, presenter guided pupils through some of the information they have accepted in ‘‘terms and conditions’’ a lot were not aware of!
Teacher - Pendle Vale College - 31/03/2023 - One Punch
Very valuable - students engaged in some really thought-provoking discussions, challenged their preconceptions. Session really connected to students and their own experiences. Thank you!
Teacher - Stockport School- 30/03/23 - CEOP
Valuable, engaging presentation and discussion. Students gained greater understanding of some hidden pitfalls of social media. Helped students understand certain areas they were unsure of.
Teacher- Westbourne Academy- 27/03/23
Excellent workshop and very valuable. good mixed discussions and well chosen videos. Lillie was a great facilitator and pupils responded very well. the workshop was very thought provoking and engaging, making students able to learn a lot.
Student- Westbourne Academy- 27/03/23
I believe taking part in this experience will have a positive impact on future choices. This is due to the fact that you learn about how every decision you make is important and how if you make the wrong ones, your life can be affected massively. It also taught me that anyone of any age can be at risk of being involved in any form of crime. For example, anyone can be used and brought into County Lines and be in extreme danger. Also, it was proved that quite literally anyone can be sent to prison and that even quite often innocent people have to serve time in prison. So to me, having being taught about this topic for a day seems and feels very influential as it’s such an important subject that I learned a lot about. Finally, I soon realised that prison life is completely different to what I believed it was before I had taken part in the PMNW workshop experience. Showing just how important and how much of a privilege it is to be taught and educated in this way.
Teacher - Skegness - 24/03/23 - County lines
I think quite a few where suprised by the mocked up prison cell, initial reactions where ‘i wouldn’t do that’ whilst they realised they would not have a choice. Kids enjoyed answering questions.
Teacher - Myton School - 09/03/23 - Domestic Abuse
Students were very engaged with the workshop, which generated a lot of discussion. The lively style got the students on side and made them feel comfortable to talk about some quite thought - provoking topics, in a way they wouldn’t in normal lessons. Thank you!
Tweet - Snaith School - 02/03/23
Thank you @pmnw1 for a brilliant day of workshops with our Year 10. Pupils. As always, the day was engaging, thought provoking and hard hitting at times. We strongly recommend this to every school.
Teacher - Malet Lambert - 01/03/23 - Online Safety
Very valuable - helped to clarify some of the key terms pupils hear but might not fully understand like grooming, exploitation, trafficking. Highlighted the dangers of certain apps and websites students use.
Teacher - NUSA - 23/02/23 - Anti-Social Behaviour
Super interactive and engaging! Bens honesty created an environment of confidence and students spoke their minds! Really enjoyed the session and learnt a lot about anti-social behaviour! Thank you.
Teacher - NUSA - 23/02/23 - Domestic Abuse
Jay delivered an amazing and informative presentation. She made the pupils feel empowered to share and discuss, pupils were able to ask questions and Jay handled all amazingly. A really informative and enlightening workshop presentation.
Teacher - NUSA - 22/02/23 - Prison Life
Excellent presenting (interactive and expressive). Clear explanations with examples of support. The cell experience evoked a strong emotive response from all the students and lots of thought provoking questions asked. All questions were answered with honesty and simplicity accessible to all. Thank you to you all!
Student - Castle View Academy - 16/02/23 - Choices
Choices and consequences because it gave a real insight on how the people in jail actually feel and the experience within the jail. Also, I liked the Prison Life because the ex prison officers told us their viewpoints and seen the inside of the jail cell.
Teacher - Trafalgar School - 09/02/23 - Prison Life
Very valuable- I think the students really benefitted from the workshop and the flexability of what the workshop provided. Students felt safe when asking questions and reassured on the conduct of answers given and has taken away misconceptions about prisons and prison life.
Teacher - Trafalgar School - 09/02/23 - Gangs/Knife crime
I think this session was very effective because it really went into real problems in the world and was very honest, good scenarios involving the pupils kept them engaged and fun, must come back!
Teacher - Park Community school - 08/02/23 - Domestic Abuse
It was valuable for students to think about what a healthy relationship looks like, nearly every pupil thought that it was ok for a partner to look through your messages, i think this session has helped them think about their boundaries. Some of the information really brought to light the effects i.e sending indecent images potentially resulting in being on the sex offenders register.
Teacher - Cowplain school - 07/02/23 - County Lines
Excellent pace to the session- made relevant by showing figures for this area. Students involved and engaged throughout. Very Valuable, informative and great interaction with students. The videos were informative.
Hayling college- 06/02/23 - Domestic Abuse
Great session! Students ‘warmed up’ and the group tasks/whole class discussion picked up a lot, nice style and delivery- very relatable and made a tricky subject relaxed and appropriate, dealt with students really well and made students think about safe and healthy relationships.
Teacher - Orchard Mead - 31/01/23 - One Punch
I think this session really made the students consider the conseuqences of getting into a fight. Julie had a great command of the room, students were engaged. The session was interactive and the students seemed to enjoy the questions and discussions. Great session!
Student - Newland School for girls - 26/01/23 - Crime and Safety Awareness
The 'choices' program stood out the most to be. This is because Jay shared her story honestly and I believe this was extremely brave especially sharing such a personal part of your life with school children who you don't know personally for their benefit so they don't make the same mistakes. The session came from someone who has experienced the reality of prison and how important it is to have even just 1 trusted person to talk to about anything. I think it was also the most realistic one as we got to see the prison cell and it just really brings everything to perspective. Jay is an inspiration for all because she turned her life around and that everyone can change.
Student - Newland School for girls - 26/01/23 - Social Media
i think internet safety stood out the most because everyone got a good explanation on why internet can be unsafe and what to do when someone grooms you online or tries to get your address.
Teacher - Netherhall School - 23/01/23 - County Lines
Very valuable, knowledge was low at the outset, confidence and knowledge built throughout the workshop. The knowledge of the topic was exeptionally well presented in a way the kids could really understand, some really challenging students in this session but you managed it really well and kept them onside and engaged.
Teacher - Duston School - 18/01/23 - Online Safety
Great presentation, lots of useful tips and information for the students to use. Great practical advice about terms and conditions and how to change settings really nice manner with the students, students responded well to Josie.
Teacher - Milton Keynes School - 17/01/23 - Gangs
Very valuable, all students gripped and engaged in what was being said. Gerry was brilliant in making the session relevant and interesting and welcomed questions from the group. Sensitive matters were dealt with care and consideration.
Teacher - Goffs School - 16/01/23 - Choices
Very thought provoking, students were engaged and asking lots of questions, a really amazing insight into the consequences of mistakes and giving a really vulnerable insight. Students were captivated and focused, what a life story! We can all learn from this.
Teacher - Goffs School - 16/01/23 - One Punch
Such an interesting workshop. Really gave students time to think about how easy it is to get in that situation. Videos were really effective and really engaged students. Julie had a great way with students by allowing them to express themselves and give opinions. Most pupils were under the impression if someone hits you first you can hit them back with no consequences legally, this really made them think differently.
Teacher - Lincoln Christ Hospital School - 12/01/23 - Online Safety
Great session, very informative. Very relatable for year 10 (looking at different social media channels). Statistics where helpful. Sad about the boy who was murdered. Needed to be heard by the students as things are changing quickly. Thank you very much.
Teacher - Outwood Academy Scunthorpe - 11/01/23 - Online Safety
Great session, lots of intresting facts and information on social media, that the students didn’t know. Good discussions and questions. Super valuable session! Thank you!
Teacher - Holderness Academy - 15/12 /22 - Prison Life
Very valuable! Great session showing the students a cell and putting them into a situation they can’t get out of was really effective. Lots of opportunities to ask questions. Clear examples given- time given for students to reflect on facts.
Teacher - Holderness Academy - 15/12 /22 - One Punch
An emotional and intresting display of the effects of one moment, showed students how easily it can happen. Students got very involved and the questions were thought-provoking. Absolutely brilliant. Fabulous interaction with the students.
Teacher - Longhill Primary - 14/12 /22 - Anti-Social Behaviour
Very valuable, the children loved the session and gained a deeper understanding of ASB. The quiz gave them a chance to consolidate new learning. Facilitator had excellent rapport with children which encouraged engagment.
Teacher - Fredrick Gough School- 12/12 /22 - Various
I have been in three different sessions and each one has been very insightful. Each session very well delivered and with a message of such importance every pupil will have something to take from it. Such an important day for all pupils! Keep up the good work. Thank you.
Teacher - Bishop Barrington- 9/12 /22 - Social Media
An intresting insite into the use of social media. Hopefully will make pupils think about their social media life. Fantastic and informative session and treated students in a fantastic manner and they got a lot from it.
Teacher - Sir John Thursby Year 10 - 6/12 /22 - County Lines
Very valuable- excellent interaction with students, made it very clear, showed all aspects, role play, really clear, harsh reality of it. Students responded very positively.
Student - Beckfoot Upper Heaton- 7/12 /22 - Crime and Safety Awareness
I found the day amazing and helpful for us and all of this I know will contribute to help us in the future. The people teaching did a fantastic job by giving their personal background to make it more interesting. They encouraged us to ask questions and to raise our hands when needed. I hope we can have similar workshops as it gives us an insight into the practical world.
Student - Beckfoot Upper Heaton- 7/12 /22 - Crime and Safety Awareness
The day was brilliant it was surely an experience my favourite parts would definitely be the knife crimes showing video evidence to show how fast your life could flash from your eyes because of one action and the host seemed to be very funny and related to us more than the other workshops.
Teacher - Sir John Thursby Year 10 - 6/12 /22 - County Lines
Very valuable- excellent interaction with students, made it very clear, showed all aspects, role play, really clear, harsh reality of it. Students responded very positively.
Student - Sir John Thursby Year 9 - 5/12 /22 - Crime Day
There were all really important as we need to know how to protect ourselves and also not get ourselves in jail. The main workshop that stood out to me was about drugs as that’s a very common thing in now a day society and it was really important to see how badly that could affect us and to see someone that works in jail to talk to us about this shows how important it in and there are also doing it for our benefit to protect us on falling down this wrong path.
Student - Sir John Thursby Year 9 - 5/12 /22 - Crime Day
We learnt about how the media can influence you and it gives stereotypical views. For example most people would think a prisoner has tattoos, scars and wear orange in prison however that’s not the case. Prisoners don’t always have scars or tattoos and now people can wear there own clothes in jail.
I learnt that always think about what you do before doing it and think of your future if u ever wanna get out of the situation aswell just don’t agree in the first place.
Teacher - Hathershaw College - 28/11/22 - Online Safety
Students were really engaged, think they found some of the information about social media apps interesting (e.g photos, videos can be used for anything) Really valuable session in this current time and these pupils live by social media. The safety tips were really helpful.
Parent - County Durham School
Hi, just wanted to say thank you for the inspire day today. A is so intrigued by the justice system and why all kids and adults especially, behave the way some do. She's had an amazing day, my ears are still ringing with the stories at 5.30pm - ha. A wants a career in law and crime. I'd like to believe a lot of children take heed from prisoners and realise actions have consequences. People attending our school to raise awareness like this are invaluable. Thank you and well done, she's still talking about it as I'm typing this ??
Teacher - Kingsway Academy - 24/11/22 - County Lines
Very informative session, learning what county lines is, the different ways children can get tied in. Also learnt the connected terminology, really interesting.
Teacher - Kingsway Academy - 24/11/22 - Prison Life
Students amazed by the size of the cell. Really engaged with what the speaker had to say. Personal stories were very insightful. Very valuable.
Teacher - Outwood Academy Bishopgarth - 23/11/22 - Choices
Some hard hitting truths shared to express the reality of life in jail. Amazing session, valuable experience, all children fully engaged. (Best one by far!) Thank you!!!
Teacher - Dixon Cottingley Academy - 22/11/22 - Online Safety
The online safety workshop was engaging and interactive, allowing the students to open up in a safe environment. The ladies delivering the session were fantastic and a credit to the organisation.
Teacher - Bishop Auckland College - 16/11/22 - Presentation
Hello, I would just like to say a massive thank you for your prisoners and staff's time today at Bishop Auckland College. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was most fascinated and inspired by B and A's stories. I absolutely commend the lads for sharing their raw and honest experiences and wish them the very best of luck for the future.
Teacher - Aspire School- 15/11/22 - Presentation
Hi, you visited my workplace today and I just wanted to say how fantastic it was! Everyone couldn't stop talking about it and the students was so engrossed with it! A huge thank you also to the team, they are amazing and a huge credit. Hopefully we will see you again in the future.
Teacher - Essa Academy - 14/11/22 - County Lines
Excellent session! All students were very engaged and involved in the session. They have learnt lots about county lines and were able to identify all of the negative consequences as well as how to identify themselves been groomed. They have a clear understanding of how they are vulnerable even when they think they aren’t.
Teacher - Essa Academy - 14/11/22 - Prison Life
The workshop is really interesting. All the children came out the prison cell and asked really good questions. They where really engaged throughout and loved been able to ask questions. This was really valuable to the students as they were able to get answers to questions about prison which they otherwise wouldn’t be able to ask or even think to ask.
Teacher - Burlington Primary - 11/11/22 - Prison
Very valuable- Gave lots of facts and information that children wouldn’t have known. A very good look into law and prison. Gave all the children a real look into the life of a prisoner.
Teacher - Parker E-Act Academy - 10/11/22 - County lines
Fantastic engagement with students, content was engaging and great questioning and scenarios too keep students involved in the session. Topic was delivered in a focused and very relevant way for the students.
Teacher - Rugby Free School - 9/11/22 - County lines
The class settled really well. Presentation was excellent and approachable for the kids, and was made really relatable for them! Good use of resources and well managed discussions and examples from real experiences helped them see what things are like, I have worked with children involved in county lines before and it is really scary. The kids got a good sense of what it is like. I really enjoyed this session and I think the children appreciated how you didn’t talk down to them and treated them like young adults.
Teacher - Manor Sports College - 19/10/22 - Domestic Abuse
Very engaging lesson, which was made interactive with videos and good questioning, friendly speakers who welcomed any comments around the topic. Good role plays to make sure the students understand the seriousness of the topic and how stereotypes can affect people’s opinions.
Teacher - Winterton Community Academy - 17/10/22 - One Punch
Engaging and good rapport with student and good holding students to get a group discussion going. Also, very thought provoking with a good number of students getting involved and making decisions.
Teacher - Wolfreton School, Willerby - 13/10/22 - Domestic Abuse
Jay kept the class engaged asking students questions to check understanding/knowledge on the topic. At their level discussing teenage/controlling relationships and educating students on how to behave in a relationship. Excellent. Thank you.
Teacher - Allerton School- 12/10/22 - Prison
Great question and answer session- pupils were able to ask any questions about prison life. Viewing the prison cell gave students an idea about the size of the cells and excellent talk on the goings on inside a prison and some of the issues of being a prison officer.
Teacher - Roundhay school - 10/10/22 - County Lines
Very informative and well presented for students. Videos with real examples, real people talking about their experiences and help students to understand the topics, problems and consequences of these. Discussions and role play helped to listen to each other’s thinking and ideas.
Teacher - Roundhay school - 10/10/22 - County Lines
Excellent- Very well presented; I can see the whole class are engaged and focused. The questions are relevant and help engage pupils. Very topical, informative information but also wrapped up by giving the very real dangers- certainly puts you off the temptation. Thank you.
Teacher - Framwellgate School Durham 5/10/22 - Knife Crime
Brilliant. Very informative and total silence throughout the session. Students were captivated.
Teacher - South Craven School - 26/09/22 - County Lines
Ben put us all at ease from the get go, very friendly and engaging. The presentation was informative and interesting. I really liked the way Ben involved the kids - especially the ones who ordinarily are not engaged. He got them on board.
Teacher - South Craven School - 26/09/22 - Online Safety
Very informative, the students loved it. Lots of really useful information. Lillie has a lovely way with the students (10/10)
Year 5 Student- Macaulay Primary- 21/09/22 - Your Choice Day
Keep safe online to turn quick add off so Strangers don't add you. The drugs one because if someone asks you to buy a drug then you say no and walk away. The effect of drugs and alcohol/why there they have a bad effect on your mental health. Prisoners do work even if there in jail.
Teacher - Thomas Beckett School - 16/09/22 - County Lines
It was interesting and informative session, the students enjoyed expressing their interest about county lines and also learn lot of key terms, this was yet another brilliant session delivered by this amazing team!
Teacher - Sidney Stringer- 15/09/22 - County Lines
The benefits of this talk were clear to see. The students come in excited from lunch and loud. They settled and showed lots of interest in the topic. Majority asked and answered questions, the facilitator was tremendous with the students, showing patience at the beginning and dealt brilliantly with all the questions.
Teacher - Sidney Stringer- 15/09/22 - County Lines
Very beneficial for students who thought they were aware of terms but learned a lot during the session. Facilitator did a fantastic job of dealing with some immature students and questions.
Student - South Craven School - 20/07/22 - Prison Me No Way
It was good to find out what it’s like for people in prison and how some of the choices you make in life can result in a bad future and time in prison ,it also helped me understand what prison was really like from been told by people with experience , so i enjoyed it a lot.
Student - South Craven School - 20/07/22 - Prison Me No Way
Today was amazing I learned so much about lots of different topics, had an insight into prison and the thoughts behind people who have been in there, why people do things and how to stay safe and make sure I’m not in any of the negative positions I have seen today so in my opinion today was great 10/10 :)
Teacher- Titus Salt- 18/07/22 - Online Safety
Good delivery- engaging and informative, despite the heat. Pupils were engaged and attentive. Some of the pupils don’t have social media but it applied.
Student - Castleford Academy - 15/07/22 - Life Sentence
To make sure that your drive is driving responsibly and is not putting you or any other drivers at harm and also that the smallest of slip ups or choices can have a large impact on your life
Teacher- Castleford Academy - 15/07/22 - Prison
Very interesting and well listened to, Great stories and knowledge. The cell is a brilliant eye opener, some very difficult subjects covered. An interesting view of explaining prison is easier if you do as you are told. The information on money brought it back particularly on what they can bring in and what they have to buy. Overall a very well led session.
Teacher- Castleford Academy - 15/07/22 - County Lines
Very Valuable, the content was aimed at their level and i think they now realise this could happen to any of them. The video clips were particularly effective. You also explained everything very well. Great session.
Student - Beverley Grammar - 11/07/22 - One Punch
Don’t fight because i learnt even though one accident happened like the guy had an fight at the bar and hit one punch and got sent to prison it would probably change my aspect of what to do in an situation like that.
Student - Beverley Grammar - 11/07/22 - Prison
It has made me take another thought about what I'm going to do next so I don't make a silly mistake and end up in a cell. It has also got me into possibly working at a prison or as a police officer.
Teacher- Beverley Grammar - 11/07/22 - Choices
It was very valuable for all students. They were very engaged with the session which allowed them to gain a good understanding of choices. Both presenters were very engaging which made the session very good.
Teacher- Sirius West School - 04/07/22 - Online Safety
Very Valuable- Up to date information, great energy (especially at the end of the day), students were really engaged. A great session.
Teacher- Snaith School - 04/07/22 - County Lines
Interesting. Lots of engaging info: They liked the video clips. Josie was great with the pupils - very informative + spoke to the pupils in a correct manner, on their level. Good use of videos, lots of information. Very valuable - pupils have a better awareness of county lines.
Teacher- Scalby School - 01/07/22 - Prison Life
Very valuable. Students really enjoyed listening to the stories about your experiences. Students enjoyed going in the cell outside and developed much discussion in the classroom. Thank you!
Teacher- Scalby School - 01/07/22 - One Punch
Very valuable. Really liked how much you involved the students and their opinions. Great manner with the class. Very powerful messages throughout the videos and discussion. Student engagement was high.
Teacher- Salford City Academy - 29/06/22 - Online Safety (CEOP)
Valuable. Although our students cover internet safety in school, this session was open and honest and more on their level. Students felt confident to share experiences as Megan was open + friendly. The video at the end was very hard-hitting and highlighted the dangers well. Scary (I personally feel that these stories are the way to get through to our students!).
Teacher - Rugby High - 23/06/22 - CEOP
Very valuable - Very clear, frank, fluent, revealing. The students were engaged and very attentive and evidently learning important and shocking information and guidance about how to access support. Confident and super supportive of the class.
Teacher - Rugby High - 23/06/22 - County Lines
Confidently led, informative, engaging for the girls, well explained despite a group being familiar you seemed to keep it engaging and useful.
Teacher- Cottingham High School - 20/06/22 - Online Safety (CEOP)
Very valuable - all info was framed in a way which students could relate to, non-judgemental environment where students were comfortable sharing experiences and advice was really helpful for them. Really engaged, thank you!
Teacher- Cox Green School - 10/06/22 - County Lines
Very valuable - great connection with the pupils and pupils very engaged. Lots of knowledge and terms and pupils felt comfortable and enjoyed interacting. Good use of pupils in role play situation and as volunteers. Used examples relevant to them.
Teacher- Cox Green School - 10/06/22 - Great Western Railway (British Transport Police)
Excellent presentation about the risks and responsibilities of railway transport presented by GWR. The students responded well. Good (effective) videos that reinforced the importance of safety. Very good information presented about train ticketing. Great safety information.
Teacher- Desborough College - 09/06/22 - Anti Social Behaviour
I think the workshop was really organised and will be beneficial to the students. I was pleased with how the session was delivered. The workshop got the boys to reflect on anti-social behaviours and the repercussions.
Teacher- Desborough College - 09/06/22 - Prison Life
Great delivery. Good experience for the boys. They were surprised about the size of the bed. They asked a lot of questions regarding life in prison and how prisoners live and do in 24 hours.
Teacher- Chingford Foundation School - 08/06/22 - CEOP
Spoke to students in a really great tone - year 9 could relate to the content and engaged with the activities! Some of them said it was the best session so far!
Teacher- Chingford Foundation School - 08/06/22 - Choices and Consequences
Excellent impactful session highlighting how mental health trauma can cause long term harm. Great educational session to inform young people to get help with mental health issues straight away. Making the right choices to live your ‘best life’.
Teacher- Nunsthorpe Primary School - 06/06/22 - Anti-Social Behaviour
Brilliant - engaged the children and related to their everyday life on the estate. Outstanding delivery - she was fantastic in relating to the children.
Teacher- Chingford Foundation School - 26/05/22 - Knife Crime
Very valuable session, excellently presented. Visual examples impacted the pupils, examples of how to supposedly carry out self-defence. Open, honest conversation. Exemplary use of one hour - will have given the class a lot to think about! Thank you.
Teacher- Altwood School - 25/05/22 - CEOP
App discussion very good. Presenter both young and knowledgeable leading to very good engagement. This group contained some challenging but they were perfect, so credit to the presenter! Really enjoyed it!
Teacher- Ian Ramsey Academy - 23/05/22 - Choices and Consequences
Very valuable. Honest and hard-hitting story that students really responded to. Students understood that anyone can make mistakes and go to prison.
Teacher- The Strand Primary Academy - 20/05/22 - Anti-Social Behaviour
Positive and relevant for their age. Speaking with pupils in the corridor. Great day! Feedback was great and they had learnt a lot. I feel this should be delivered every year to the relevant year groups.
Teacher- Trinity Academy - 19/05/22 - Domestic Abuse
Students were engaged and participated well. Content was interesting and informative. Provider was good with the students - able to engage the students and keep them focused.
Teacher- Christopher Pickering Primary School - 18/05/22 - Prison Life
Very interesting and engaging session tailored to the children’s interests. Q+A session was enjoyed by all kids. Prison van was a great visual for them.
Teacher- Highams Lane School - 19/05/22 - Domestic Abuse
Students really loved this session and interacted really well. Even quieter students felt like they could share their opinions. Liked the fact ideas could be debated openly.
Teacher- St Angela’s Ursuline - 16/05/22 - Domestic Abuse
I think the session was informative and quite detailed. Many students didn’t know some of the meanings of words but it was beautifully explained. There was chance for students to debate with one another. Very nice session. She (Lillie) was able to relate with students.
Teacher - Bridlington School - 12/05/22 - County Lines
Fantastic presentation, really good with kids - good banter but message. Good message, good at getting pupils to think. Really engaging and really relevant to a lot of our pupils.
Teacher - Whitcliffe Mount School - 10/05/22 - Life Sentence
Students were engaged and shocked from the start. All points were backed up with facts and statistics to have an impact on all students - really valuable for the students as it will change their perception on driving.
Teacher - Whitcliffe Mount School - 10/05/22 - Knife Crime
Excellent manner with the students, very inclusive and appropriate boundaries set in a light-hearted way. The seriousness of the topic was dealt with well and in an engaging way.
Teacher - Roundhay School - 09/05/22 - Prison Life
Great for students to be able to see/experience a real life cell to be able to visualise reality of life in prison. Good for addressing stereotypes / TV presentations of prison. Opened conversations students would not have asked themselves but would have wondered. Lots of stories I’m sure they won’t forget (I definitely won’t).
Teacher - Roundhay School - 09/05/22 - Choices & Consequences
Fantastic session, really engaging and a great opportunity for students to ask questions that they wouldn’t otherwise have he chance too. It was very powerful for students otherwise ‘stereotypical’ view of prisoners to be completely challenged. A really, really valuable session - thank you so much !!
Teacher - Crofton Academy - 05/05/22 - CEOP
A great workshop - Megan’s rapport with the group was brilliant and she made the students feel at ease when sharing answers, thoughts + opinions. Very valuable content for the age of the students with relevant and thought provoking content. Thank you.
Teacher - Crofton Academy - 05/05/22 - County Lines
Great Workshop- rapport with the group was brilliant and made students feel at ease when sharing answers, thoughts, and opinions. Very valuable content for the age of the students with relevant and thought-provoking content.
Teacher - Montaengle Primary - 30/03/22 - Your Choice Day
I think Prison Me No Way has had a positive impact on my future actions and behaviours. They taught us how to get help and told us what to do if you are in that situation. it's definitely made me think about being more cautious about my own, and others, actions.
Teacher - Crofton Academy - 05/05/22 - One Punch
Very though provoking and allowed pupils to understand the consequences of violent behaviour. Also encouraged pupils to give their point of view.
Teacher - Manor Croft School - 27/04/22 - County Lines
Fabulous presentation. Facilitator made presentation relevant and engaging by interacting with all student in a humorous way - yet ensuring they understood the serious nature of CL. Excellent way of dealing with one of our more challenging students who needed to be in this session. Thank you.
Teacher - Hessle High School - 08/04/22 - County Lines
Excellent workshop, extremely interactive bringing everyone into the discussion. Gave the people a shock factor.
Teacher - St Anne’s Academy - 05/04/22 - One Punch
All students were really engaged. The story really gripped the student and really gave the opportunity to think morally about a situation like that. Fantastic delivery.
Teacher - St Anne’s Academy - 05/04/22 - Choices
A shockingly, honest and ultimately, informative account. Thank you Jenny! An incredibly thought-provoking session, which has undoubtedly left a mark in these students informing them of choices and consequences. Thank you for sharing your story so openly with our students.
Teacher - Stockport School - 31/3/22 - CEOP
Very well delivered, engaging session. Students really enjoyed evaluating the use of social media. They appreciate the opportunity to share their experiences. Very informative on the dangers this age group faces on a daily basis.
Pupil- Carlton High School - 16/3/22
I had sessions with PMNW today and I just wanted to say that it was brilliant! Your teachers were so engaging and truthful and they made all the sessions feel so welcoming. The van that was made to look like a prison cell was so realistic! One of my favourite things was the Prisoners Presentation! I got to hear Jess’s story; it was so eye-opening to here someone talk about this stuff. Thanks a lot!
Teacher - Aylesford School and Sixth Form College - 11/3/22 - Prison Life
Great workshop. Pupils were very interested asking questions, found the session valuable, especially seeing the prison cell.
Teacher - Wingfield Academy - 09/3/22 - County Lines
Very valuable. Lots of important information given to students - really beneficial. I think the students will have taken a lot from it - they were involved throughout and I could see how some parts shocked them too. Really great!
Teacher - Holyhead High - 07/3/22 - Knife Crime
Quite possibly the most effective and hard-hitting provision in place for this type of practise. Brilliant.
Teacher - Holyhead High - 07/3/22 - Prison Life
A very informative and honest take on life in prison. Great reaction from the teacher - certainly put them off going to prison!
Student - Hornsea School and Language College - 28/2/22
I think that the Prison Me No Way day was a very educational and fun way to teach students about future actions and behaviours. Getting involved with the workshops and being able to ask questions freely had an effect on me and our group. It has made us aware of all consequences to choices, how to stay safe in many situations and given us an insight into many other things shown to us on that day.
Teacher - Rushden School - 03/3/22 - Knife Crime
Really good and informative talk - and excellent rapport with students, making sure misconceptions about the law were clarified. Students listened attentively and were thoroughly engrossed in Jerry’s talk.
Teacher - Myton School - 02/3/22 - County Lines
Great interaction with students. Eye opening for myself and children. Important information given to reduce the signs of exploitation. Really engaging guy - students responded well to him. Relevant info - mix of known/new. Valuable discussion around this. Thank you!
Teacher - Myton School - 02/3/22 - Domestic Abuse
Really good session, with lots of interesting information and thought provoking videos/cases, so really valuable for students who were initially very quiet, but gradually started participating more.
Teacher - Nottingham Girls School - 25/2/22 - Choices
Jenny’s story was absolutely compelling. You could have heard a pin drop. It was very shocking to learn the outcome, but brilliantly moving. The message was very powerful and there was good questions at the end. You could see they were thinking about what they had just listened to. Very powerful, informative and educational workshop. Well done.
Teacher - Rodillian Academy - 18/2/22 - One Punch
Excellent! You know how to get on students level and how to speak to them which get them SUPER engaged. Lots of interesting ideas exchanged within a balanced discussion where all students got involved. I think students got a lot out of this - and so did I! Thank you.
Teacher - Greenfield Community College - 17/2/22 - County Lines
Engaging, hard-hitting, honest and informative. Ryan had a superb manner with year 8 whom he had at the edge of their seats! This workshop should be delivered to every key stage 3/4 child in the country and their parents! Great job Ryan! Thank you and sorry for the loss of your friend.
Teacher - Whitworth Park Academy - 15/2/22 - CEOP
Really informative presentation for both the students and myself. Expertly delivered by a charismatic and well informed presenter. Students were fully engaged throughout, as was I. Excellent.
Teacher - Beckfoot School - 14/2/22 - Choices
Fantastic session! Both Jenny and Graham were so engaging with the stories they told - students were fully engaged with the emotional connections of what was being told. Thank you!
Teacher - Trafalgar School - 10/2/22 - Gangs & Knives
Really well delivered. The students can relate to you as you are young (Ryan). They listened and engaged well. Although hard hitting, students gained an insight to what it is to be a bystander and learn about choices.
Teacher - The Cowplain School - 8/2/22 - One Punch
Very valuable, beneficial for the students to understand bias, and the gravity of aggressive behaviour and the consequences - very useful for the age of our students 14-15 years old
Teacher - The Cowplain School - 8/2/22 - Prison Life
Very informative and eye opening. Loved the cell. Also, it put to bed some half truths you hear in the media
Teacher - The Hayling College - 7/2/22 - County Lines Session
Good discussion points. Personable - well presented, well pitched to age group. Very engaging, good messages to emphasise that Hayling is not a tough/hard place to live
Teacher - The Hayling College 7/2/22 - Choices Session
Very valuable, really got the pupils thinking. Never seen them so focussed for a whole hour.
Teacher, Driffield School 4/2/22 - Social Media Session
Excellent, very informative and engaging. Lillie allowed the students to have some uncomfortable but important conversations
Teacher King James 1 Academy, Bishop Auckland
Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience this academic year, and gained so much from the day - they STILL reference the sessions in lessons and around school. This is an absolutely fantastic reflection on the amazing work you all do! We’re very much looking forward to working with you all again.
Teacher - Moorend Academy - January 2022 - County Lines Session
Excellent workshop. Amended at short notice for us due to a mix up earlier in P1. Very valuable lesson again in terms of choices. Good ones vs bad ones. Thank you.
Teacher - Moorend Academy - January 2022 - County Lines Session
Very entertaining to be part of. Students took part and enjoyed. Good information given and taken by students.
Student - Alderman Cogan Primary School - January 2022 - Online Safety Session
I think the part were we looked at online safety stood out the most because it talked about how to stay safe and how to look out for signs if someone is not safe online. It also shined a light on the serious side of things that I didn't know happened and now I am aware of how to avoid those situations.
Teacher - Newland School for Girls, Hull 27/1/22 - Choices Session
Great rapport with the students - good thought provoking questions at the beginning, then very hard hitting. I think we were all surprised/shocked. Made the students realise that anybody from any type of background can end up in prison for reasons they might never even know or thought of. Interesting throughout, never boring and kept students involved.
Teacher - Bridlington Headlands School, East Yorkshire 24/1/22 - Prison Life Session
Great detail, handled questions well. Different relevant stories, fantastic experience of the cell, really showed what life in prison was like.
Teacher from Bourne Academy, Lincolnshire January 2022 - County Lines Session
Excellent session that was both informative and entertaining which maintained students interact/engagement. As much as we discuss these issues in school, students don’t believe us as we’re “old” and “don’t understand what its like today.” The session certainly opened the students eyes to the extent of the problem today.
www.bourneacademy.org/prison-me-no-way-2022
Teacher from Shirebrook Academy, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire January 2022 - Choices Session
A very valuable workshop that provoked great discussion and offered students the opportunity to learn about stereotypes, choices and consequences. Very engaging and fantastic session
Teacher Giles Academy, Lincolnshire January 2022 - Gangs Session
Very engaging session, great vibe and conduct throughout the session making Ryan very relatable and approachable. I particularly liked how Ryan thanked students for being respectful after videos and his relatable approach to hard hitting topics / videos
www.gilesacademy.co.uk/prison-me-no-way-2022
Teacher Bourne Academy, Lincolnshire January 2022 - Domestic Abuse Session
I think it was really good that the students increased their understanding beyond that of physical Abuse.
Great discussion created through questions and debates. Lots of different activities that kept pupils engaged / relatable
Teacher Spalding Academy, Lincolnshire January 2022 - CEOP Session
The best CEOP session I have seen over the years of being involved with these sessions. Really engaging with the students. Encouraged honest conversation. Was able to engage well with the group and all students learnt something.
Student from Consett Academy - October 2021 - CEOP Session
“We Learned how vulnerable children can be and how desperately some of them need protection.”
Teacher from Ormiston Martime Academy - December 2021 - One Punch Session
“Excellent and very valuable presentation. Made students think about the different scenarios. Actions have consequences.”
Teacher from Cathedral School - November 2021 - CEOP Session
“Really informative session. Full of practical tips and support for young people to keep themselves and each other safe online. Great delivery!”
Teacher from Copley Academy: September 2021 - County Lines
“Very valuable and great interaction with students allowing them to show clear understanding and ask questions. They get a clear understanding of how it can happen and how to spot others in danger.”
Pupil - Winifred Holtby – County Lines
“I didn’t even know kids were used to transfer drugs, glad I learnt about it.”
Teacher - Sirius North School, Hull
“Knife Crime – Outstanding! All students fully engaged with the material. Possibly the most powerful session ever I’ve seen. Allowed for a very powerful discussion with the group that could have lasted most of the day!!”
Teacher - Parkside Academy, Collingworth, Bradford - 8.10 21 - CEOP Session
“Pupils fully engaged and very interested in this workshop. They clearly learned new things about CEOP and this was down to the two young speakers who were absolutely excellent in their delivery. Great session”
Teacher - Westbourne Academy, Ipswich - 21/9/21 - Jenny’s workshop
“As the safeguarding lead I switched to be in this session. I was blow away by this session, as were the students. The honesty, emotion and presentation were excellent. The pitch was perfect and the students engaged really well, as they were instantly at ease. Superb in every sense, it will stay with them.”
Pupils – Nottingham University Samworth Academy – June 2021
“I learnt that mental health is so important and speaking out is substantial and keeping things to your self is not a good idea. I think Jenny is truly amazing and to have such a positive outcome and be bettering herself more and more daily and by sharing her story she has really touched my heart and taught me so much. ”
Pupil (TWEET) – Aylesford School and 6th Form College, Warwick Friday 25th June 2021
“Friday, we had this thing call ‘prison me no way’ in school for the year 9’s. Learnt about Fire, Police, Prison, Domestic Violence, Knife Crime, Gangs and County Lines. Literally think it is the best day I have ever had at school, ever".”
Staff and Pupil Feedback XP School Doncaster 21st & 22nd June 2021
'It was great to see the relationship between the guards and the prisoners being so positive I always thought they wouldn't like each other.'
' I was really struck by how open Mannie was, it made me realise that owning up to what you have done and using it to help others is the most important thing.'
The pupils and staff were so engrossed, and all pupils were 100% focussed in on the message. Frank discussions about grooming and attitude really helped the pupils to reflect on who they were and how their behaviours can make big changes in their lives.
The school was buzzing the following day its all the staff and pupils were talking about!
Teachers - The McAuley Catholic High School: Doncaster
Really useful to hear real stories from currently serving prisoners. Helped pupils to understand what prison is like.
Absolutely brilliant. All the pupils were fully engaged, they asked some fantastic questions. The serving prisoners were unbelievably honest and reacted so well to the questions. It was extremely valuable to everyone who was in the room.
Teacher St Ivo School: Cambridgeshire
Absolutely brilliant, powerful and heart breaking. Thank you so much, I know this has made a huge impact on my form. So, so valuable.
Email received from presentation at Kingsmead, Derby:
Just wanted to thank all three of you for yesterday. What a lovely lot you are! It is usually difficult for staff and pupils to have visitors in and can really cause stress and anxiety amongst our young people. It was immediately apparent you are pro’s at this and it just felt so relaxed which had a huge impact on our pupil’s engagement. Your rapport and understanding with our young people was apparent from the very beginning, you took the time out to talk to individuals and really connected with them.
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Anthony is ‘amazing’ not only for telling us his story but for holding the attention for all of those young people for a whole hour! I am sure he has told that story 100’s of times but it felt like he was telling it for the first time. We have already had so much positive feedback from staff and pupils about your event on how valuable they believe it was – I am sure it will make a difference to some.
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Thank you so much again, I had the most enjoyable day and really hope to work with you again in the future. Please pass on my thanks to the team.
Email received from presentation The Farnley Academy, Leeds:
The staff were unbelievable and very engaging for the students, and the serving prisoner really made the day come to life. He was also an absolute credit and I personally couldn’t speak highly enough of him, especially being questioned at great length by a classroom full of teenagers – he handled this with great honesty and integrity. The whole day was pitched at just the right level and was really well tailored to our specific needs. I certainly will be recommending you and your workshops to anyone that asks.
Teacher Skegness Academy: Lincolnshire
Once in a lifetime opportunity for our pupils. Amazing. Thank you.
Email received from Stockport School:
Wow, what a day! Thursday saw the year 9’s being given over to the prison guards from PMNW.
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After meeting in the hall, the students were allocated their daily timetable and set off to find out more about crime and prison life. We couldn’t believe how small a prison cell is, but we know now after trying to squeeze into one! Plus, a hands-on experience of the living conditions behind bars!
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We also met a real-life prisoner who told us her story of how she took someone’s life! It was amazing the way that she was so determined to change and turn her life around and not repeat her previous mistakes.
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“I found the Drugs and Network Rail Workshops very interesting” (yr9 student). “I can’t believe how much money is wasted repairing criminal damage on the railways – which we have to pay for through increased ticket prices…..” Perhaps one of the most relevant experiences was the Anti-social Behaviour and Knife Crime workshops. “I never knew that most stabbings come from the teenager’s own knife when it’s turned against them….” (yr9 boy) This is a very important thing to realise if you are thinking about protecting yourself”.
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The Finale was in the Main Hall and we got a chance to win prizes for best contributions, attentive listening and asking the best questions – all in all a great day!
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This was the best visit yet – well organised, and extremely powerful, engaging staff. Well done and thank you!
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Email received from Belmont School, Durham:
Choices & Consequences: this for me was the workshop the student’s really ‘bought into’ the speaker from the word go was lively and had their attention and they were really interested in asking him questions which he encouraged. His message to everyone was to listen as he feels this is where he had gone wrong in the past not listening to his mother, teacher’s, and the police.
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Prison Life: When the students were asked by the prison officer’s “why the prisons were so full” they answered “because they didn’t listen” I thought this answer was priceless as it proved the students had been listening and learning about others and their experiences.
Email received from Police Constable Warwickshire Police at Rugby High School:
I thought the session I saw around County Lines was really fantastic. The subject matter is very relevant, current, and up to date. The information was tailored to a high level, and expertly delivered to young people. To say that they were hanging onto every word is an understatement. What made it special was that such serious topics and themes were pitched and inter-laced with humour and insight. This made the young people sit up and take notice.
Email – Roundhay School: Leeds
From Jigsaw Family Engagement Workers at HMP Wealstun & HMP Leeds
Both myself and my colleague wanted to thank you and your fantastic team for a most amazing, inspiring, and emotive day at Roundhay High School Leeds on Tuesday, 23rd October 2018. From the moment we arrived until the time we left your team made us feel so welcome and really went that extra mile to answer our questions and accommodate us. We both felt that the workshops that you facilitate, and deliver are amongst the best we have attended by far. It was interesting to see the impact the workshops had on the children and how their beliefs and misconceptions about prisoners changed throughout the day. One child in particular opened up and spoke about having some of her close family members in prison and how she had thought of them as ‘bad people’. She stated that having heard the various stories from the prisoners that attended yesterday she realised that sometimes people make choices that they often regret, and that people can and do change.
Message received from Prisoner BF:
I am writing to let you know that PMNW has helped me so much in my sentence. It has been the best rehabilitation I have had in custody. It has been better than any course that I have done in my sentence, I feel that everyone should do it as part of their sentence plan. It doesn’t just get you talking about your crime, it helps you look at it from different angles and helps you evaluate where you went wrong and helps you spot the errors in your choices that you might never have recognised yourself. I cannot thank you enough for giving me the chance to do this not only to help the community but help me too. Many thanks.