HMP Prison Inspector and Former Governor Sara Pennington

Former Governor at HMP Elmley Sara Pennington said :

“The “Aspire Higher” programme is amongst the most innovative, exciting and, quite frankly, life changing programmes that I’ve seen. There is no doubt that the Aspire Programme has had a hugely positive impact both on staff and the men in custody.

This programme has contributed to the reduction in our prison violence over the past year by targeting those who are repeatedly violent, finding out what their underpinning issues might be and addressing those issues, along with giving them the skills to change their mind set, break bad habits and think more positively about their lives.”

Part of the continued success around the program is that both Nathaniel Peat and Chris Syrus and their team have a cognisant understanding of street life and prison, both are identified as credible messengers by the prisoners, they are both highly respected, inspiring and listened to by the prisoners.

Stopping prison violence is a priority, but it should not only be for the well-being and rehabilitation of those incarcerated, but also for the well-being of communities outside. Halting violence in prison and preventing its spread to our communities requires more than disciplinary and management approaches. These types of approaches may be able to stop violence in the short term, but they have not been effective at changing the mind-sets and behaviours that perpetuate violence. Furthermore, as groups evolve, it becomes tremendously difficult for prison staff to respond efficiently and effectively to conflicts.

HMP Elmley and The Aspire Higher holistic approach offers a method for preventing violence, both in the short term and in the long term by changing mind sets and violent behaviours of not only prisoners but staff alike.

The Aspire Higher model is innovative and has the potential to do more in the reducing of prison violence in the UK and wider community.”