Growing up, Maisie* became a young carer for her mum and siblings by age 13. Feeling thrown into a big world of adult responsibilities, she made certain choices that led her to HMP Bronzefield. She felt like being arrested would be the end of the world for her, but instead, her time doing DofE in prison has opened the door to the rest of her life.

This is Maisie’s story.

I heard about DofE in secondary school, but didn’t get the chance to take part after being moved to a pupil referral unit. I didn’t actually started my DofE programme until I went to HMP Bronzefield and a fellow prisoner recommended I try it, and said “if you don’t like it, you don’t like it”.

Luckily, I did like it. Six months later, I can now proudly hold my Bronze Award certificate. It’s not been an easy journey, but with support from my DofE Leaders Amber and Tom, I learnt how to challenge myself and persevere along the way.

The power of perseverance

While doing my DofE, there were times when I would say “yeah, I’m ready for the day”, but other times I was kind of flat on my face. With Amber and Tom, whether it was just coming to talk to me, see how I was doing or giving me an alternative, it helped me be able to regulate my emotions.

“She would kind of shut down on a regular basis. She’d say, ‘this is what I do, leave me alone, I don’t need it, I can’t do things, I won’t be able to do it’. So, after persisting, we realised that this is probably what she’s done all her life – it was partly self-sabotage.

“She’s come back after completing the DofE and reflected and, in truth, I didn’t realise how supportive that was for her, but I don’t believe she’s had anyone to persist with her previously. When she’s determined to shut down, that’s what she’s been used to doing. Whereas, sticking with her and showing her that she is capable of these things, she’s shown us how powerful that has been for her.”

– Tom, Maisie’s DofE Leader

Since coming to HMP Bronzefield, I’ve worked with the mental health team to better understand my emotions. Having my DofE to focus on, and support from Tom and Amber, helped me persevere through activities while my managing anxiety and changing moods.

Building meaningful connections

Through each section of the DofE, I tried to challenge myself. For Volunteering, I helped at Parkrun within the prison by handing out bands, timekeeping and encouraging runners over the mic. For my Physical, I carried on with my normal gym routine because I love working out.

I decided to combine these skills and became an “activities peer”, leading physical activities and motivating prisoners to get involved in daily exercise. I’ve realised I’m good at engaging with and motivating others.

As an activities peer, I’m able to go to a prison section and say, “okay guys, let’s do this!” Even if you just want to spectate, I’m able to get more people involved because I’m not shy. I feel like that’s what helped harness my leadership skills.

DofE has helped me grow in my maturity level. I’ll know that if I’m talking to a specific age group, I’ll be aware of how to engage with them, how to talk to them, build a conversation and get them to interact with me. I’m not necessarily good at talking or building friendships, but during my DofE I was able to build meaningful connections with other people.

It brings a sense of happiness because everyone’s going through their own battles in here. Everyone has their low days and when I’m able to bring people together to have fun, it makes me feel good about myself and I can see that makes other people feel good about themselves.

My future plans

When I’m released I want to use my skills to make positive change in my community. I’d like to repay what love has been shown to me, so want to go home and engage with younger people, share my experience and help them navigate through life.

Through completing my DofE I’ve realised that struggling with your mental health doesn’t have to stop you.

When I was arrested, I felt like this is the end of the world for me. But, when I had done DofE and I actually completed and received the Award, it was like, even though times is a bit rough, look at what you’ve done. When you do get out, your life’s not over.

*Maisie’s name has been changed for anonymity purposes.