Frankie was deported from New Zealand after seven and a half years In prison. He didn’t have any family support on arrival to the UK and most likely would have been homeless without the support offered by Prisoners Abroad. Thankfully, with the help of our resettlement service, things are looking up. 

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I emigrated to New Zealand in 2004 to start fresh and get away from a life I wasn’t happy leading. When I arrived, it took a while to fit in and get used to the different lifestyle and people. I soon met a few good friends, got a great job and had my only child with my beautiful partner. Unfortunately, the relationship didn’t last, but I had my daughter every other weekend and a few nights a week. I earnt good money and went on holiday to England, Australia and America regularly, but then I went to Columbia and fell in with the wrong crowd, which I now really regret. I thought I was untouchable, but when I was arrested, I ended up getting 14 and a half years. 

I served two years on remand in New Zealand and was deported after 7 and a half years. The day that you go to trial is when you find out who your real mates are – and trust me, I didn’t have many! When I went into prison, the only family member who kept in contact and helped me financially was my sister. My dad visited me once in 7 and a half years and gave me no financial support. But I became close friends with a lot of people in prison and still keep in touch and send them money to help them on their journey. 

Prison itself was horrible, and the food in particular was terrible. I basically lived on porridge and toast until I was lucky enough to get a job in the kitchen. We were allowed out of our cells for only a short time each day for food and a small amount of exercise. 

Prisoners Abroad sent me materials when I was in prison. The newsletters and magazines I received really helped; I looked forward to them and loved reading the stories of other prisoners and keeping my mind active by doing the puzzles. 

When I was due to be released, Prisoners Abroad contacted me and told me about their resettlement service. Knowing how they would help me once I was back in the UK took so much stress and worry away from me. I had no family and only kept in contact with a few friends. The friends helped me out a bit, but Prisoners Abroad got me into accommodation, helped me with money, food vouchers, and a phone, and without them I probably would have been homeless until the benefits finally came through. 

They helped with such a range of things and gave me so much general support that I never thought I’d need. They even provided a moving in package with household items like bedding and cooking pans, as well as vouchers for food – that was so helpful as it gave me a really good start. It was very useful to know the Work Preparation Programme was there if I needed it, but I was lucky to have a job lined up through a friend – I install air conditioning, and in my free time I play golf with friends. 

Without Prisoners Abroad I would probably be sleeping on the streets.

They were amazing with help for my medical condition, accommodation and support. I now have a full time job, my own place, and everything is looking good. I feel like I have a bright future now thanks to Prisoners Abroad.

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Offering a guiding hand

Prisoners Abroad supports people who return to the UK after prison; we find them somewhere to stay, provide grants for food and travel, and help them take the vital steps to a new life.

Can you help to support our life-saving work by donating today?

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