Joseph left London at six months old, but was deported back to the UK after a 33-year sentence in the USA, of which he served 21 years. He wrote this piece for our overseas newsletter in the immediate aftermath of his deportation, as he acclimatised to a new city and a new way of life with the help of Prisoners Abroad's resettlement team.

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My name is Joseph but my friends call me Joe. I call my experience of getting deported a unique situation because of the seriousness of my disposition. After serving 19 years in prison, I was sent to London. The UK was a country I had never seen before, nor do I know anyone in London. I only had two relatives who I had never met before, only heard about. I left London as a baby when I was six months old and for the first nine years of my life I lived in Nigeria and Liberia. After a war started in Liberia, my family relocated to the USA. Then, at 25 years old, I was sentenced to 33 years in prison. I was granted release after serving 21 of those years.

I was then deported to London, knowing no one, having no place to go or to live, knowing nothing about
computers or what a smart phone is. I was totally ignorant to everything, including the way of life, the people and the culture - but I am learning.

I have only been home twenty-nine days as I write this. For the first few weeks I felt extremely depressed, isolated and lonely, and the realisation of my situation brought tears to my eyes, I am not going to lie. I definitely cried myself to sleep a few nights in my first few weeks here.

The only saving grace, and I mean only saving grace, that I have is Prisoners Abroad. If it wasn’t for them I would be lost and homeless. Knowing how bad my life would be without them has humbled me deeply; there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for them. They saved my life.

My advice to the incarcerated: before you are released, please, please let go of all negativity and all hatred in your heart. When you are released, your actions, thoughts and desires must all be pure and honest because it is the only way you will have a normal life.

Second; be honest with the people in your life that are trying to help you become a better person. Be extremely honest with Prisoners Abroad; remember how hard it is to have good people in your life when you are interacting with them.

When you return to the UK, be patient; let life come to you. Be selective of the people you are around and remember you do have a choice in friends. Set small goals that lead to bigger goals . Take it one step at a time and accomplish them, keep your life simple. Budget, budget, budget! Spend your money wisely on things needed for everyday living not on things of
pleasure. 

Lastly, try something new and positive! Your old life is behind you - find positive people and activities and engulf yourself in helping other people. It will give you peace and purpose.

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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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