Facing prison, supporting someone inside or preparing for home? Start with what matters to you today.
I built Before the Gate because I know how frightening and confusing the prison journey can feel, for the person going through it and for the family alongside them. I bring my own experience of custody and coming home, together with years of peer mentoring, to help people prepare and find a next step.
In custody, I supported people as a peer mentor, a Samaritans Listener, a Shannon Trust mentor and a buddy coordinator. I learned that being heard matters, and that clear information can make a difficult day feel more manageable.
This site brings together my Before the Gate programme, Coming Home notes, Leaving Prison Wallet of Support and practical workshop exercises. My aim is simple: honest guidance, support without judgement, and room for hope and change.
The guides help you prepare questions and conversations. Individual legal, healthcare and prison arrangements need checking with the appropriate professional. Before the Gate is my independent project.
Real preparation. Honest conversations. Something practical to take forward.
These resources are adapted from Colin’s saved Coming Home working notes, Leaving Prison Wallet and Healthy Relationships workshop. They keep his practical messages and reflection prompts in short sections you can use.
The original files are working drafts. This is an independent adaptation of Colin’s contributions, not the full PACT Coming Home course or an approved PACT delivery programme. Current local procedures still need confirming with the appropriate professional.
Unfamiliar words should not stop you asking for help.
Short explanations of words you might hear at court, on arrival or when contacting the prison. Each has a source, a related guide and a question you can save for your next conversation.
These are general explanations. Ask the solicitor or prison about the specific case and current local arrangements. If someone is in immediate danger, use the and call the prison now.
You do not have to remember everything on the spot.
Keep questions for prison staff, your solicitor, school or another support service together. Record what you were told and what still needs following up.
These are your own notes. This app does not send questions, contact services or check the accuracy of an answer. Dates do not trigger reminders. For immediate safety concerns, use the and contact the prison directly.
Your questions and answers stay in this browser. Print or download a copy to keep elsewhere. Avoid sensitive details on shared devices; downloads and printed copies contain whatever you have written.
Choose a suggested question, then record the answer after your conversation.
One step is enough for today.
Start with a guide, or pick individual steps. You can remove anything that does not fit.
Steps to take
Steps completed
One concern at a time. Take what helps.
Start with the questions and arrangements that matter most today.
You do not need to sort everything in one sitting.
A short, usable plan for the first week home.
Coming home can bring relief and pressure together. Ask about gaps before release.
Check the arrangements for the specific prison before travelling.
For immediate risk, call the prison’s main switchboard and explain it is an emergency. Ask for the Duty Governor or Orderly Officer.
Find the prison’s safety contacts ↗Developed from Colin Pritchard’s Before the Gate programme and original working materials. Preparation prompts for England and Wales; confirm current procedures with the relevant prison or professional. These guides support conversations and do not replace legal advice, counselling or urgent help. Independent project, with no organisation affiliation implied. Saved guides and checklist progress stay in this browser.