Paul Cooper

 Meet Paul Cooper, Band 4 Prison Officer

"My role is to carry out the sentence of the courts, treat service users with decency, dignity and compassion and prepare them to lead a law-abiding life.

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I have worked in this sector for almost seventeen years. After reading about the training days One Small Thing was funding in my establishment, I decided to give it a go. I have always had an interest in Mental Health. I find the mind a fascinating subject, I felt the training would offer insight in to how better to help the people in our care.

The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the change in people. No matter how small a change I think it is, it can be a huge achievement for that individual. Being able to encourage and praise people for making those steps is hugely rewarding for me.

If I could do one small thing to improve the system for prison residents, it would be to stop sending them to prison for short sentences. Once in custody, more mental health provision is needed.

The Trauma Informed training sessions have opened my eyes and broadened my knowledge, giving me new skills to help the people I work with. The training has given me more insight and understanding of trauma and its long lasting effects.

My motto for life is what’s the worst that can happen? When I’m not working I like to walk and I love watching a movie.

I have just started to re-read Without Remorse by Tom Clancy. Brilliant."

Photograph by Roo Kendall

One Small Chat
Edwina Grosvenor
Edwina Grosvenor

Twenty years of hard graft working in prisons and a never abating feeling of rage at our current system is what has brought me here today. 

Leoni Mitchell
Leoni Mitchell

“A large proportion of the women I currently work with and our inpatients at the hospital have an extensive history of trauma.”

Paul Cooper
Paul Cooper

“My role is to carry out the sentence of the courts, treat service users with decency, dignity and compassion and prepare them to lead a law-abiding life.”

Vicki Sampey
Vicki Sampey

“I am now very mindful about what processes and procedures could be re-traumatising women in our care.”

Lakhbir Kaur
Lakhbir Kaur

“If there was one small thing I could do to improve for prison residents, it would first of all be to review whether they should be sent to prison in the first place.”

Julie Weston
Julie Weston

“I think these two courses have changed me as a person and, the way I interact with people.  My relationships feel more meaningful and genuine.  I believe I’m a better person.”

Claire Hubberstey
Claire Hubberstey

My motto for life is to be courageous and kind. Why? You’ll never regret being either and it helps to remind yourself of what you aspire to when faced with a tricky situation.

LookCaterina Howard