One Mile to...
"She stood there in front of him, her head bowed down as he lambasted her with an aggressive speech.
I didn't understand the language, but I got the gist, and it wasn't pleasant! 'Hold on,' I thought, 'hasn't he read the script?' Whatever script he was reciting, it wasn't the one she was expecting. Forty-five seconds into his dialogue and I'd had enough. She didn't deserve this, no-one does.
I walked past him with a glare and walked up to woman and wished her all the best for the day, with the biggest smile muster. He stopped his verbal abuse and turned around, walked to the car park with his wife and son trailing behind. "
Many of the women Simeon has come across in his role as prison chaplain have lost hope, resigned themselves to a life that leaves them vulnerable. Even though they put on a show of bravado, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety are never to far away.
GATE HAPPY is a collection of articles highlighting the issues many people face as they leave prison. Simeon writes as an ambassador and advocate for the importance of Through The Gate support, as well as a prison chaplain and experienced Through The Gate practitioner.
Simeon has delivered workshops based on the topics found in the book; which enable prison professionals and volunteers with an interest in supporting people as they leave prison to better understand some of the issues people face at the very point of their release. Please contact him if you would like more information about the workshops he delivers.
How do we help those who have chosen the wrong path in life? We often end up supporting people who, for a variety of reasons, make poor choices resulting in a troubled life or even prison. This book is to help you as you provide support and encouragement for people who want a new start. One Mile to Make a Difference is the story of three particular journeys.
Simeon’s own story and how he ended up as a ‘through-the-gate prison chaplain, stories of some of those women who have left prison to find a new life, and finally Jesus’ example of journeying with people who appear to be going in the wrong direction, on the Emmaus Road .
It challenges us not only to look at how we can support those around but also how we can get the support we need when we, too, walk on the wrong path.
MOST OF US HAVE BENEFITED FROM...
SOMEONE GETTING ALONGSIDE US ON OUR LIFE'S JOURNEY. THE PURPOSE OF THIS WEBSITE AND THE BOOK IS TO HIGHLIGHT SIGNIFICANT ISSUES THAT FACE PEOPLE ESPECIALLY WOMEN, WHEN RETURNING TO SOCIETY FROM A PERIOD SPENT IN CUSTODY. CHAPTER 8 IN THE BOOK EXPLORES HOW PEOPLE CAN GET INVOLVED IN DETAIL - WHERE THEY CAN LEND A HELPING HAND. THERE ARE SO MANY ORGANISATIONS WHOSE AIM IT IS TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED PRISON. IN TIME, THE LIST ON THIS SITE WILL EXPAND SIGNIFICANTLY BUT TO BEGIN WITH WE HAVE LISTED A FEW AND REALLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO TO THEIR WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION.
'ONE MILE TO....' ALSO NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT: VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST IN ADMINISTRATION / TECHNOLOGY - SPECIFICALLY AROUND IT / PROMOTION OF THE ISSUES AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE; FINANCIAL - TO MAINTAIN THIS WEBSITE AND FUND ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND ONE OFF EVENTS; AND AS A CHRISTIAN PLATFORM WE WOULD VALUE YOUR PRAYERS. FOR MORE INFORMATION LEAVE A MESSAGE HERE FOR US.
About Simeon Sturney
Simeon Sturney is an experienced through-the-gate prison chaplain who has helped hundreds of women at the point of their release from prison and as they walk to the local train station, journeying with them as they wrestle with their fears and temptations.
He is also a former managing chaplain at one of the largest Women’s prisons in Western Europe and a former Probation Service Officer.
Simeon has worked in prisons for over 15 years. He is married, has 2 children and 2 Grandchildren.
