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You do not need to sort everything at once. Start with what matters to you today.
Things you can do or ask
Ask what needs sorting first and who can help.
Ask for information a bit at a time, or for help understanding it.
Check back on anything that was meant to happen.
From my experience Conversation first. Checklist second.
My next conversation
What needs sorting first?
Who can I ask, and what do I want to say?
What have we agreed, and when will I check back?
Keep your own notes private. Local procedures and support routes vary; ask the relevant staff. An urgent health or safety concern needs staff straight away rather than waiting for a routine request.
Before the Gate • Resource 18 • 15 October 2026 beforethegate.co.uk/life-inside.html
Before the Gate
Waiting for phone contact
You do not need to sort everything at once. Start with what matters to you today.
Things you can do or ask
Keep your PIN and login private.
Ask staff how to check a number request or account problem.
Tell staff promptly if there is an urgent family event; do not assume an extra call will be approved.
From my experience Find out what is happening before assuming why it has happened.
My next conversation
What needs sorting first?
Who can I ask, and what do I want to say?
What have we agreed, and when will I check back?
Keep your own notes private. Local procedures and support routes vary; ask the relevant staff. An urgent health or safety concern needs staff straight away rather than waiting for a routine request.
Before the Gate • Resource 15, 23 • 15 October 2026 beforethegate.co.uk/life-inside.html
Before the Gate
Applications and unanswered requests
You do not need to sort everything at once. Start with what matters to you today.
Things you can do or ask
Ask which department and route fit your request.
Check what happened to the first request before submitting duplicates.
If it is still unresolved, ask staff about the next step or complaints process. Urgent health or safety concerns should be raised directly with staff straight away.
From my experience If you say you’ll find out, find out. If you get an answer, take it back.
My next conversation
What needs sorting first?
Who can I ask, and what do I want to say?
What have we agreed, and when will I check back?
Keep your own notes private. Local procedures and support routes vary; ask the relevant staff. An urgent health or safety concern needs staff straight away rather than waiting for a routine request.
Before the Gate • Resource 9, 17 • 15 October 2026 beforethegate.co.uk/life-inside.html
Before the Gate
Help with reading, writing and forms
You do not need to sort everything at once. Start with what matters to you today.
Things you can do or ask
Ask for help without feeling you have to prove what you can read.
If someone writes for you, ask them to read it back and check it says what you want.
Ask education or staff what reading, language or accessible-information support is available.
From my experience Don’t just give somebody a form. Help them use the system.
My next conversation
What needs sorting first?
Who can I ask, and what do I want to say?
What have we agreed, and when will I check back?
Keep your own notes private. Local procedures and support routes vary; ask the relevant staff. An urgent health or safety concern needs staff straight away rather than waiting for a routine request.
Before the Gate • Resource 10 • 15 October 2026 beforethegate.co.uk/life-inside.html
Before the Gate
Money, canteen and family pressure
You do not need to sort everything at once. Start with what matters to you today.
Things you can do or ask
Ask staff to explain your account and canteen arrangements.
Plan essentials first and think about what needs to last.
Do not ask a peer to settle a debt. Tell appropriate staff about threats or exploitation; immediate danger needs urgent staff help.
From my experience Money coming into prison has usually come out of somebody else’s pocket.
My next conversation
What needs sorting first?
Who can I ask, and what do I want to say?
What have we agreed, and when will I check back?
Keep your own notes private. Local procedures and support routes vary; ask the relevant staff. An urgent health or safety concern needs staff straight away rather than waiting for a routine request.
Before the Gate • Resource 13, 4 • 15 October 2026 beforethegate.co.uk/life-inside.html
Before the Gate
Missing or delayed property
You do not need to sort everything at once. Start with what matters to you today.
Things you can do or ask
Check your own property record and explain what seems wrong.
Use the approved reporting route and ask what happens next.
Do not search for items or confront someone. Raise intimidation or safety concerns with staff.
From my experience Start with what actually happened, then find the right person to ask.
My next conversation
What needs sorting first?
Who can I ask, and what do I want to say?
What have we agreed, and when will I check back?
Keep your own notes private. Local procedures and support routes vary; ask the relevant staff. An urgent health or safety concern needs staff straight away rather than waiting for a routine request.
Before the Gate • Resource 14 • 15 October 2026 beforethegate.co.uk/life-inside.html
Before the Gate
Education and learning
What would you like to learn or work towards? Start with one goal, then ask education about the route.
Things you can do or ask
Ask staff how to contact education and submit the local application.
Check current English, maths, digital or vocational courses, entry requirements and waiting lists.
Ask about learning support or a Shannon Trust reading or numeracy mentor.
Interested in distance learning or the Open University? Ask education about permission, suitable courses and funding before enrolling.
Check your request was received. If attendance becomes difficult, explain what is getting in the way.
Keep certificates and ask how to continue if you transfer or leave prison.
From my experience The person chooses the goal. The peer helps them find the route.
My next conversation
What needs sorting first?
Who can I ask, and what do I want to say?
What have we agreed, and when will I check back?
Keep your own notes private. Local procedures and support routes vary; ask the relevant staff. An urgent health or safety concern needs staff straight away rather than waiting for a routine request.
Before the Gate • Resource 21, 10 • 16 October 2026 beforethegate.co.uk/life-inside.html
Before the Gate
Work and purpose in custody
You do not need to sort everything at once. Start with what matters to you today.
Things you can do or ask
Ask about current vacancies, role requirements and how to apply.
Ask the responsible team about pay, hours and support.
If the role is not working out, explain the problem and ask about next steps.
From my experience A step backwards can sometimes mean something else needs support.
My next conversation
What needs sorting first?
Who can I ask, and what do I want to say?
What have we agreed, and when will I check back?
Keep your own notes private. Local procedures and support routes vary; ask the relevant staff. An urgent health or safety concern needs staff straight away rather than waiting for a routine request.
Before the Gate • Resource 20 • 15 October 2026 beforethegate.co.uk/life-inside.html
Before the Gate
Visits and family worries
You do not need to sort everything at once. Start with what matters to you today.
Things you can do or ask
Ask staff about the current booking and approval arrangements.
Ask the family support team about travel or access barriers.
If you are worried about family with no news, ask appropriate staff what permitted support is possible. Do not bypass contact restrictions.
From my experience Ask what is worrying the person before deciding what help they need.
My next conversation
What needs sorting first?
Who can I ask, and what do I want to say?
What have we agreed, and when will I check back?
Keep your own notes private. Local procedures and support routes vary; ask the relevant staff. An urgent health or safety concern needs staff straight away rather than waiting for a routine request.
Before the Gate • Resource 16, 23 • 15 October 2026 beforethegate.co.uk/life-inside.html