Thinking back, looking forward: Alex
Later this year, we celebrate five years since the full launch of the StandOut Programme. In the lead up, we are pleased to bring you our ‘Thinking Back, Looking Forward’ series of blogs. ‘Thinking Back, Looking Forward’ will celebrate the journeys and recognise the realities of individuals who have been involved in our work, from their own unique perspective.
In the first of these blogs we hear from Alex Rose, StandOut’s Head of Programmes, as he reflects on where his journey with StandOut has taken him so far and what’s on the path ahead.
I’ll never forget how I felt when I first stepped into a StandOut group session. I remember feeling deeply motivated by all the energy Penny and Jo poured into the session as they coached, which was reciprocated by the men. Taking it all in, I thought, ‘Something different is happening here that’s engaging this group of guys in a way I’ve never seen before.’
“Taking it all in, I thought, ‘Something different is happening here that’s engaging this group of guys in a way I’ve never seen before’. ”
Founder Jo Fellows, Alex, and Founder and CEO Penny Parker at StandOut’s first team lunch.
At the time, I was a careers adviser and had extensive experience facilitating groups, but I knew very little about coaching and the power of coaching in a prison setting. I remembered leaving the room determined to find out more and integrate what I saw in my professional practise because I learned quickly that coaching produces results. Fast forward to today, and I am delighted to be taking on the new role of Head of Programmes, to shape and strengthen our delivery of transformational group coaching and relational 1-1 case work.
We are fortunate to have an amazing team of coaches and truly collaborative partnerships with governors and managers in our partner prisons. My journey at StandOut will be reaching the five year mark in the coming months, and I am excited at the thought of what the years ahead will bring.
“My journey at StandOut will be reaching the five year mark in the coming months, and I am excited at the thought of what the years ahead will bring.”
It would be remiss of me not to mention the kindness of our funders, who trust our model of delivery and grant us the autonomy to pursue ways of working with our Trainees at the heart of every decision. I cannot end this without mentioning the resilience and determination of the individuals we have the privilege of assisting. Journeying with people as they step through their personal challenges and goals continues to be my greatest source of personal and professional development. As a recent new father, I am reminded that there is no manual for raising a child, and likewise, I appreciate that people's journeys to desistance are also a creative process of learning and not a linear process.
My biggest debt of gratitude goes to all the people who have opened up their lives, hopes, and fears and granted me the opportunity to do my best to add value to the positive future that they want to build for themselves.