When Neil first applied to the Longford Trust back in 2008, he was fresh out of prison, carrying the stigma of his past but determined to complete the studies that had been cut short. What he found in the Trust wasn’t just financial support; it was belief.
“I certainly felt these people believe in me, and they’re willing to support me,” Neil recalls. “That then chips away at the identity of ‘former prisoner.’ Suddenly you’re a Longford scholar, which is obviously a much more positive identity to have.”
A second chance at education
Before his prison sentence, Neil had been training as a social worker and undertaking a master’s degree. After release, he turned to criminology, completing an MSc with the backing of the Trust.
“I was proud to be associated with the Longford Trust,” he says. “I was proud to be part of what felt like a bigger family… and you didn’t want to let them down. If somebody had taken the time, the trouble and the money to support you, then you really wanted to do your studies, do your programme and keep in touch with the Trust.”
Giving back
Since then, Neil has gone on to teach criminology at university level, conduct research in prisons, and become an ambassador for the Longford Trust. Through this role, he visits prisons to speak directly with people who might not believe higher education is for them.
“We just try to advocate and say, look, take a risk. You might not feel that university is the environment for you, but actually you’ll meet people like yourself, you’ll be supported, people will be positive. I think in my experience it’s quite a good thing having been to prison if you’re doing stuff like criminology or mental health, or addiction studies, it can actually be a positive.”
The role of probation
Neil is frank about the role probation played in his journey. “My probation officer challenged me to put myself in the shoes of my victim,” he says. “I went to very uncomfortable places psychologically to think about the impact of my offence. That was good—it was what I needed. She also wrote a reference for me to universities and to the Longford Trust, which obviously supported my application.”
His advice to others on probation today is simple but firm: “Try and work with your probation officer if you can, rather than against them, because they’re an ally, hopefully. Stand up for yourself, fight your corner, but work with them. And if you find something that you truly care about and are passionate about, then you’ll put the work in.”
A movement of positivity
For Neil, the real impact of the Longford Trust is bigger than any individual story. “I’m proud to be part of something that is much bigger than all of us,” he reflects. “There’s 250 plus scholars, and they’re trying to grow that number. It’s almost like a movement of positivity for people who’ve been in prison and who then get a chance to channel their passion or their interest into something.”
Looking ahead
Neil remains determined to secure a permanent university lectureship, continue publishing research, and contribute to positive change in the criminal justice system. But above all, he’s committed to supporting others to take the same chance he once did.
“There are far too many people in prison, and there are some great people in the system who deserve an opportunity to show what they can do at university and places like that,” he says. “I want to continue to give back and support organisations like the Longford Trust because they’ve supported me. That has helped me to find my way.”
