Mark Johnson

How to prevent riots: invest in young people, don't criminalise them »

Do you think it would be possible to petition the government regarding the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act? My son who was sentenced to 3yrs 3mths in 1999 is finding it impossible to get a job as he is obliged to declare his unspent criminal record? Would be interested to hear your comments

Anonymous

Hi, Nacro have some excellent info on this subject. I do know that the act is under review ask we speak. Basically I can’t see how we can continue giving every offender a life sentence by installments through the stigma surrounding prison or CJS orders. Every deserves a chance to change!!!

Best wishes

Mark

what are your thoughts about the riots this week?

Anonymous

Ill be writing a column in the Guardian next weds and instead of me adding further comments and opinion I have secured a contract for my charity to go into prison and find out who/why these people done what they did! The research will be going directly to government.

Thanks

Mark

hi mark, i read your book,whilst in hospital, my last hit was the day before, please could you help me with this im too afraid to got to docs or near hospitals, here goes, my boyfreind was hitting me in the groin, as i couldnt get anywhere else a few times he must have hit a nerve, as the whole leg are went red itchy and inflamed, now im left with a numbness in my leg, thats been since april, its still the same, how long till this goes away ? does it go away ? also pop marks do they disappear or will i always have this ? please help thanks

Anonymous

Please get yourself to the doctors! You have to ask yourself which is more important, your health or your future job prospects? There are lots of drug support agencies and even private doctors.

Depending how long you’ve injected and skin type etc, track marks can be forever, I guess that if your going in your groin you’ve been using awhile?

Go and get yourself some help.

Good luck

Mark

what am i meant to write on job applications? what do i put where they ask about health/hospital stays etc. do i lie an risk getting found out down the line, admit it (no interview there) or what? Been using 20 years but was working at same job for 13 yrs til my boss found out and thought it "might be better all round if i left" I am stuck and struggling. any advice (except 12 steppin) appreciated. Cheers. S

Anonymous

Hi S, Nacro have some excellent info about your issue, you can call or look online. I have only attended one interview in my life so feel under qualified to give advice. You could contact my charity Uservoice and ask Jeff who is a solicitor, he could provide info on where you stand around employment law.

So sorry for the late response, I’ve had problems accessing this site.

Good luck

Mark

Hi Mark, It's Sharon Berry from Storybook Dads. We met at Shannon Trust conference in March. Hope all's well. I want to ask 2 things. Is the tree surgery thing you set up for ex prisoners - still in operation? If so where and how would I find out about it? Also we are holding our first ever fund raising event on Wed 28th Sept - a sponsored chain gang walk on Dartmoor - with Terry Waite walking some of the way. If you use twitter , facebook etc could you mention us please.

Anonymous

Hi Sharon, my email is Mark@Uservoice.org lets stay intouch. Your doing incredible work.

Warm regards

Mark

I need help. I have been kicked out my family home because I chose my Bf over them. My bf does alot of coke and deals drugs, he works illegally and he is so nasty to me, but for some reason, i cant stop loving him...i have lost everything, i have no home, my cars well and truly f**ked, ive lost my mates and i feel disgusting, i met you once at college, and i found u to be a really nice person.

Anonymous

Hello, which college was it? Basically I think if someone is being nasty to you, you should stay away from them. You might think it’s love etc but I but abusive relationships can be addictive and damage you emotionally for a very longtime. Your worth more than that. Your parents are probably very worried about! If you want to email me direct you can get me on mark@uservoice.org.

Take very good care of yourself

Mark

Will Westminster finally act on the experiences of young offenders? »

Apologising to victims will not reduce reoffending rates »

You can comment on the Guardian website too. Esp to share your own stories of making amends. »