Henry's Story.

Henry worked hard throughout his life and had plenty to show for it - a thriving career, a nice chunk of land and a loving family.

But as time rolled on the pressures of situations he felt beyond his control started to take a grip and impact areas of his life he held dear.

Then one day an ill-fated, spur-of-the-moment decision driven by alcohol and a deteriorating mental state, which in his own mind thought would solve his problems, instead turned his life upside down.

Henry had already lost his home and his marriage had broken down. Next to go would be his freedom.  

“I’d never been in prison in my life. Never been in trouble with the law. But, these things happen. I thought ‘fine, fair enough’. I was shocked at the length of the sentence, but I accepted it.’’

Henry considers himself a resourceful person, but was daunted by the prospect of prison and its unforgiving environment. Despite that, he was not about to sit back and let himself be controlled by others.

“Funnily enough, I got on quite well. Once I got used to the environment, I was fine. I learned the rules - as in with other prisoners and what they do - but I was actually okay. My first two weeks in there were interesting. I remember one of the senior gang members coming up to me during a meal and said ‘give us your fish’. I said ‘no, I like my fish’. After I said no a second time, he left me alone. After that, I was fine with them.’’

Henry worked the prison’s farms and laundry, and was also part of Correction’s work to release programme.

A year or so ahead of his scheduled release, he was offered a spot in the Navigate Initiative.

“I went into the villas and . . . I was a little bit distant. I didn’t understand what they could provide. I didn’t go to a lot of the sessions because I didn’t think it would help me.

“I was cautious at the beginning, only because I didn’t quite fit the mould. I wasn’t disagreeing with them, I just thought I could do a whole lot of stuff myself. When I came up to release, I suddenly realised I haven’t got anywhere to stay. They were talking to me before I was released and all of a sudden I had accommodation, everything was set up for me and that was really great. I was absolutely rapt with what they did when I got out. The support I received is tremendous. Uelese has been great, and Emma, Murray too. They have gone far beyond what I would have expected.’’

Henry has been back in the community for several months and has since moved out of Pathway-provided housing to a sunny, two-bedroom unit of his own. Pathway helps him when he needs it, to get to appointments and support him at meetings with parole officers.

“It was quite strange at first, going back to the community. It was difficult for me. I was in the villas for about a year-and-a-half. I did all the cooking and that sort of stuff, but I don’t think I was quite prepared to come out. That’s not Pathway or the prison’s fault; it took me a while to come right.

“I’ve been on a long journey since I’ve come out of prison. I’m not the sort of person who gets angry about things. I’m very social and so on, but I find I’m a bit less social now because of my health. Pathway has been a great umbrella to help me through that process. I get phone calls, I’ve had food parcels, Uelese and Emma have taken me to my many hospital trips, that sort of stuff.

“I’m learning a lot through Pathway about what I’m actually entitled to. Pathway have given me that bridge. They’ve stepped in and realised what I need. I’m a little different to their normal clients, but they’ve helped me out and stood by me all the time.

“I’m quite happy in my little life here, but I know I can always call on Pathway.’’

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*Name changed.

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