AWARD WINNER 2024-25

Initial Recommendation

This nomination followed an initial recommendation from Richard Mitchell, Head of Function

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend John Firth, a dedicated and exceptional professional with over 30 years of service at HMP Swaleside, for this prestigious award. Throughout his remarkable career, John has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment, expertise, and compassion in his work with the most complex individuals.

As a professional with extensive experience in one-on-one support, John has developed a unique ability to connect with those who require specialised care and attention. His expertise in working with challenging individuals has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, and his dedication to his work has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless individuals.

John’s exceptional skills and dedication have been particularly evident in his work with individuals who require specialised support, such as those with complex mental health needs, learning difficulties, or those who have been affected by trauma. His ability to establish trust, build rapport, and provide tailored support has been instrumental in helping these individuals to overcome significant challenges and achieve their goals.

John’s professionalism, empathy, and patience are unparalleled, and his passion for his work is evident in everything he does. His commitment to his role is unwavering, and he has consistently demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcomes for those he supports.

Jon over the last 3 years has worked on the Personality Disorder Unit and has really engaged in the PIPE ethos.  He is really appreciated by all the clinical and operational staff.  He delivers various courses which are always well attended by the residents on the PIPE Unit.  The men on the PIPE really appreciate him as he always makes time for the men when they have issues or a crisis.

Jon doesn’t like the limelight and is very humble and modest with the ways he works.  He is an unsung hero to all that work with him, this includes operational/clinical staff as well as prisoners.  As the Governor of the PIPE Unit, I have received many letters from the prisoners in his care commending him for the support he gives them and always being there when he is needed.  This has led to many of the men progressing to Category C, Category D and on occasions release.  Jon is fundamental to the way the PIPE works and he gives the prisoners hope for the future.

I have had the pleasure of working with John, and I can confidently attest to his exceptional skills and dedication. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping the lives of those he supports, and I am confident that he will continue to make a significant impact in the years to come.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, I strongly recommend John Firth for this prestigious award. His dedication, expertise, and compassion make him an exemplary candidate for this honour, and I am confident that he will be an inspiration to others.

Supporting Documentation

Testimonials

Mr K – Jon’s help to me has meant an awful lot.  I have always struggled with the system/authority.  I have always thought it was against me and out to punish me by keeping me locked up away from friends and family.  There is nothing Jon wants more from me but to be at home with my family and kids.  He knows my mum is unwell and he is always asking about her and making sure that I have rung her.  He does all he can behind the scenes to make sure that everything I want and need becomes a reality.

I honestly believe this officer is a very decent and caring individual who does all he can to help not only myself but others to see them in a better place than prison and be given the chance to live out their true potential.

BW – Hello, my name is BW.  I am a transgender resident on the PIPE wing.  I am a self-harmer who struggles with mental health issues and has a lot of trauma from my past.  I have got two more Christmases’ before I am free and this terrifies me.

This is just a snippet of what Jon has done for me:

I have known Jon Firth for at least 6 ½ years.  He wasn’t originally my personal officer, but I requested that he becomes my personal officer when my last one left.  Therefore, he has been my personal officer for about 3 ½ – 4 years now.  I requested him because he was honest, non-judgemental and wasn’t on the side of the officers or the prisoners.  He was on the side of who he believed was right.  This was refreshing.

Mr C – Jon is not only an officer but more like a friend and has my best interest at heart.

Recently I lost my sister and was struggling mentally and psychologically and required the extra support.  He supported me by just being there and being someone just to talk to you if I was in a bad place.  He gave me advice on how I could distract myself and occupy my mind with other things rather than dwelling on what has happened.  I was a prolific self-harmer and during this last year since Jon has been my keyworker, I have managed to go without self-harming.  This is partly down to the relationship I have built up with Jon as my keyworker.  On 6/2/24 I had to go out on an emergency escort but was initially apprehensive.  Jon persuaded me to go and actually offered to go out with me on the escort to support me.

With the incidents that I have described, I believe I would have starting harming myself again, as my self-harm previously was very serious. If Jon had not talked me into going to my hospital appointment yesterday, my leg could have been much worse as I was diagnosed with septic cellulitis which could have had really serious consequences. I really believe that Jon should receive an award as he has been a really support to me and helped changed my life.

Jon’s help has given me positive reinforcements which in itself has made me feel better about myself, given me more confidence.  I also felt supported by Jon through my journey on the PIPE unit.

He has helped me in ways that are difficult to explain because he has helped make me a more confident person especially with the groups that we both co-facilitate.  Without Jon’s support I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do this.  Jon has given me the confidence to support other residents who are comfortable coming to speak to me.  And I have now progressed to becoming a Peer Mentor.

I can now see a future progressing through the system.

Sign Off

John Firth is the longest serving member of staff in HMP Swaleside and has completed over 30 years of service and is an all round good egg.  His career is of good service and good conduct.  The Clinical team at HMP Swaleside describe him as the perfect PIPE Officer and he delivers numerous programmes with the clinical team.  In 2023 John also received a High Sheriff award for his services to the Prison community and therefore the wider public.

John is the perfect role model for both staff and prisoners.

Lee-Ann Williams

Governor, HMP Swaleside