Hello,
Essentially what we do at LandWorks is support people to re-discover who they were before getting into trouble (back then), and before they got involved in the criminal justice system.
So many people coming here on placement got off to a difficult start. In the care system, neurodivergent, told the were thick and useless. Often just different and not really fitting in… they quickly become outsiders, misfits and ‘othered’.
But it doesn’t mean that they wanted to be or to become criminal.
Jim who arrived here a few months ago is a good example. Head down and we were lucky to get a grunt of response in those early days.
It turns out that he has led an incredible life. From trawler fishing off Peterhead, to boat building in Cornwall, and many creative episodes in between.
His face is leathered, befitting his outdoor life and often homeless outdoor living.
He started making bird tables here. Seeking out twisted gnarled branches that had a perfect tripod of divisions to support his beautifully crafted bird tables. The branches uniquely formed as honeysuckle had entwined, causing the new tree growth to twist, just different.
He’s an artist.
He’s a big bloke and when in a tight corner I wouldn’t like to be on the wrong side of him.
And yes, he’s a bit different. But wouldn’t you be if you’d had to pack up many times over and internally pack away feelings of regret and alienation.
So, much of sentencing is based around punishment.
But the new sentencing guidelines published last week do at least talk more positively around community sentencing…
Community orders can fulfil all of the purposes of sentencing. They can have the effect of restricting the offender’s liberty while providing punishment in the community, rehabilitation for the offender, and/or ensuring that the offender engages in reparative activities.
Much of Jim’s life just needed to be understood (especially by the court)… not sure it’s punishment he needed.
After the recent sentencing consultation, greater emphasis is being placed on the importance of Pre Sentence reports… a good thing. The court should get a better understanding of a person’s life.
But going back to the beginning, I suspect that had Jim felt accepted and recognised for who he is, that this acceptance may have prevented him from doing what he did.
He is a proud man, yes, he made some mistakes, but at LandWorks he has re-discovered his dignity.
Chris
13th March 2025