An exploration of how prisoners experience the recall process within a category B prison

The number of individuals being recalled is increasing year on year. Improving successful release would provide positive outcomes for the individual, the prison service, probation service and the public. Eight participants were interviewed, data was analysed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2020) and themes were identified: ‘hope’ ‘autonomy’ ‘what is out there for me’ and ‘the right kind of support and information’. All of these themes were identified as contributing factors to recall or hope for a successful release. Future recommendations focus on building hope and autonomy in a prison setting. Prisons could offer interventions which help to build on social capital, they could also provide frequent and clear communication to those on a recall sentence.