Seeing the Person: Tanjit Dosanjh OBE

Callum Hutchinson has navigated the criminal justice system since he was 16 years old.  All his crimes were closely connected to alcohol abuse, but not once was it suggested to him that he should address his use of drink. In his essay, Callum describes in extraordinary detail what happened when he was stabbed nine times during a violent assault. He goes on to explain how he was offered an exit ramp from crime. Callum's essay comes from the book Humane Justice, published by the charity Khulisa as part of the Monument Fellowship. You can download the book for free at www.khulisa.co.uk/resources/humane-justice It's produced by the Prison Radio Association. www.khulisa.co.uk www.prison.radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brenda Birungi, AKA Lady Unchained, works to prove that there is life after prison. Through her poetry she tells her own personal story, and the stories of those with experience of the criminal justice system. In her essay, she shares her own experiences of kindness in prison. Brenda's essay comes from the book Humane Justice, published by the charity Khulisa as part of the Monument Fellowship. You can download the book for free at www.khulisa.co.uk/resources/humane-justice It's produced by the Prison Radio Association. www.khulisa.co.uk www.prison.radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Campbell, aka The Tartan Con, served over four years in prisons across the country. He now works in prisons to develop practical solutions, grounded in his experience, to tackle anxiety, stress and frustration. Michael's essay comes from the book Humane Justice, published by the charity Khulisa as part of the Monument Fellowship. You can download the book for free at www.khulisa.co.uk/resources/humane-justice It's produced by the Prison Radio Association. www.khulisa.co.uk www.prison.radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mr Gee has performed poetry for two decades. He specialises in running poetry workshops and has vast experience of working in prisons. Perhaps best knows as the 'Poet Laureate' on Russell Brand's infamous BBC Radio 2 show, he's toured the world and had his work featured in The Times and The Guardian. Mr Gee has written a brand new poem exclusively for Humane Justice. Gee's essay comes from the book Humane Justice, published by the charity Khulisa as part of the Monument Fellowship. You can download the book for free at www.khulisa.co.uk/resources/humane-justice It's produced by the Prison Radio Association. www.khulisa.co.uk www.prison.radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tanjit Dosanjh is an optometrist. When his father went to prison, he decided he wanted to help people in prison by using his professional skills. He learned of optical labs in California's prisons, and raised enough money to launch an optical training lab inside HMP Standford Hill in 2012. Since then, he's trained 60 prisoners, 45 of whom have secured jobs with opticians.  He also secured optometry contracts with 60 prisons. Spectacles are made by prisoners, which makes the organisation financially self-sustaining. Tanjit's essay comes from the book Humane Justice, published by the charity Khulisa as part of the Monument Fellowship. You can download the book for free at www.khulisa.co.uk/resources/humane-justice It's produced by the Prison Radio Association. www.khulisa.co.uk www.prisonopticians.org www.prison.radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jayne Richards works for the criminal justice charity Catch 22. She has won several awards for her work, including an Outstanding Service award presented to her by Princess Anne. In 2005 she received a life sentence and served ten years behind bars. She is serving the remainder on a life licence. Jayne describes in emotional detail what it was like arriving in prison from the courtroom where she'd received her sentence, and her first visit with her baby son. She describes the moments of kindness that stopped her from ending her own life, and shares what she's learnt about crime and justice. This episode contains strong language. Jayne's essay comes from the book Humane Justice, published by the charity Khulisa as part of the Monument Fellowship. You can download the book for free at www.khulisa.co.uk/resources/humane-justice It's produced by the Prison Radio Association. www.khulisa.co.uk www.catch-22.org.uk www.prison.radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humane Stories is a brand new series we've made with the charity Khulisa. It tells six stories from people who know life behind bars, through living or working there. They’ll be sharing their own stories of the kindness, hope and compassion that have touched them. These are moving, honest stories which may change your view of life in prison. There are moments of surprise and emotion, there are a few tears, but more than anything these stories will show how simple acts of kindness can change lives – and indeed can save lives. These stories are from a book called Humane Justice, which is available for free at www.khulisa.co.uk. Humane Justice is part of the Monument Fellowship, and is funded by the Woolbeding Charity, formerly known as the Monument Trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tehmina Kazi develops restorative justice with communities and individuals affected by hate crime in London. She works for the charity Why Me, who campaign for greater access for victims of crime to restorative justice throughout England and Wales? Tehmina’s essay is voiced by an actor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enver Solomon is Chief Executive of the charity Just For Kids Law. They work to ensure the legal rights of young people and children are respected. Enver talks about the true scale of criminality amongst children, and what we as a society should be doing about it. https://justforkidslaw.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Alexander is a former student of Rugby School and King’s College London who was imprisoned in 2010 at the age of 22. He has since completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees in prison, as well as achieving Grade 8 piano. Mark’s essay is being read by an actor. His essay is entitled: The case for decriminalisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.