Before release day
Don’t wait until you’re outside to ask about something that could have been started inside. We’ll separate confirmed arrangements from things somebody has only said they will look into.
Before the Gate • Lived experience
Coming Home
Where am I sleeping? When is probation? Have I got a phone, money and a way to get there? These are the things I want us talking about before release day.
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What nobody tells you about coming home
Crowds, too much choice, a quiet house, technology. Things other people take for granted can feel strange after prison. You can be happy to be home and still struggle with being outside.
I don’t want to load people with another pile of information. I want us to look at what the first few days will actually be like, what has been sorted and what still needs an answer.
Who it is for
This is for people approaching release or finding their feet after coming home. There is room for the family’s experience too: they have carried on living while you were away, and coming back together can take adjustment.
If you support people through release, tell me about your group when you enquire.
The conversations I want us to have
The first 24 hours and seven days
Walk through the day: leaving the gate, travelling, attending required appointments and getting somewhere to sleep. Then ask what happens if one part falls through.
Family and expectations
Your family may have different routines and expectations now. You might feel pressure to make up for lost time. We’ll talk about listening to each other instead of assuming everything goes straight back to how it was.
Routine, people and purpose
Who and what are you going back to? Think about the people who support the life you want, the habits you want to leave behind and something worthwhile to put into your day.
Try a short exercise
My first day. My first week. My next call.
Take a piece of paper and make three short lists. You do not need to have everything sorted. Mark each item confirmed or still to arrange.
- My first 24 hoursWhere will I sleep? How will I get there? Which appointments or essential arrangements do I need to confirm?
- My first seven daysWhat do I need to ask about healthcare, money, phone access and family contact? What is one positive routine I can start?
- If something falls throughWho will I contact? Write down a name or service and a confirmed contact number. What is my backup if that person is unavailable?
Choose one thing that is still uncertain and write your next step beside it. If release is ahead of you, take that question to the appropriate member of staff or support worker.
From my experience: ask early instead of disappearing.A problem is easier to work on when someone knows you need help.
A practical companion: the Leaving Prison Wallet
The session is where we talk things through. My Leaving Prison Wallet is where you can keep the contacts, appointments and arrangements you’ll need afterwards. They do different jobs, and I want to keep it that way.
For example: if your accommodation falls through, who will you ring? Put the name, number and backup plan somewhere you can actually find them.
Ask about a Coming Home session
Tell me who the session is for and what is worrying you most about release. If you’re enquiring for a group, add the setting and approximate numbers. I’ll use that to discuss the session, availability and fees with you.
Enquire about Coming Home ↗Email address to copy: hello@beforethegate.co.uk
Keep your first message brief; you do not need to include detailed personal or case information.
Created for Before the Gate, drawing on lived experience, Coming Home resources and Leaving Prison Wallet of Support. Practical preparation does not replace legal advice, healthcare or individual licence guidance; confirm arrangements with the relevant professional. The enquiry email is not an urgent help service.
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