Why we need decency in prisons, and why women are repeatedly criminalised (Part of the Villiers Park 'Inspiring Excellence' initiative)

Activity: OtherPublic engagement, outreach and knowledge exchange - Public Lecture/debate/seminar

Description

Since March 2015, I have been annually invited to deliver an evening keynote talk during Villiers Park Educational Trust's annual Law: Criminal Issues course; a week-long residential course for high ability young people aged 14-19 from less advantaged backgrounds. Part of VP's 'Inspiring Excellence' programme, my role within the programme is to meet with young people from across England and Wales and introduce them to core criminological issues, based on my own personal experiences (as a member of the Independent Monitoring Board and through my ESRC-funded research), but also to inspire them to develop a passion that may inspire them to take up criminology in FE or HE.

These sessions directly inform young people about key debates in criminology, and facilitate the development of critical thought, as well as influencing potential future career avenues.
Evidence - anonymised feedback from Villiers Park attendees 2017- 'Serena was extremely engaging. I think [her talk] made us aware of the topic of decency and that maybe prisoners do not deserve what they receive whilst there'.- 'Serena provided a unique session which made me contemplate the treatment and sensitivity which is required in the treatment of prisoners'.- 'I really liked the visit we got from Dr Serena Wright as she exposed me to different crimes and aspects of the law which extended my knowledge'.- 'Dr Serena Wright gave an incredible talk on her work regarding the reoffending of women prisoners. It gave a very real insight into how the law directly affects people's lives'.

Period13 Mar 2017
Held atVilliers Park Educational Trust, United Kingdom
Degree of RecognitionNational