Where do we begin?

LAST week I visited Exeter School and also Channings Wood, a closed prison near Newton Abbot. At the school I took questions from the sixth form.

I was struck by these students' knowledge of national affairs. In a world in which disengagement with politics seems to march ever on in one direction alone, it was refreshing to meet such switched-on young people. In that classroom I was looking at a small but important part of our future.

My experience at the prison was equally rewarding but in every sense set within different bounds. Within the walls, corridors and enclosures the weight of captivity is palpable. Heavy steel doors set one monochromatic zone apart from the next. The high walls, the wire, the cells, the near uniformity of dress.

I joined a session called 'Belief in Change' in which prisoners close to release live within the prison with others who wish to turn their lives around. I learned pretty quickly that this is not an easy ride. Some here have done terrible things, have damaged others — yet in turn most have been damaged themselves somewhere along the way — typically as they grew up.

Examining their vulnerabilities is, for these prisoners, far braver than falling back on the lazy angry machismo that is the default for many inside. I left and drew down some free fresh air. I thought back to the school visit and those young people just starting out. Then I thought of those I had just left.

I will revisit the prison and do what I can to assist with offender rehabilitation in Westminster. Whether grappling with learning at a fine school or contorting with your demons within the grey confines of Channings Wood – we all deserve a chance.

More from Mel Stride at melstridemp.com