The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments

By Podcasters David Jones & Dr Naomi MurphySociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health True Crime

The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments episodes

April 23Nujoji Calvocoressi and Sophie Crilly (Video); Women Convicted of Murder: Insights from Prison Therapeutic Communities
In this episode Naomi and David explore with Sophie and Nujoji the nuanced experiences of women in prison who are convicted of murder, through the lens of therapeutic community research. We delve into the processes of change, identity reconstruction, and the significance of relational work in high-security settings.
In this episode:
The motivations behind working in women's prisons and the therapeutic community at HMP Send
Unique challenges faced by women convicted of murder and how their identities are shaped by societal labels
The importance of being nimble and relational in unpredictable prison environments
The role and impact of labels such as "murderer" on personal identity and social perceptions
Methodological insights: Why interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was chosen for this research
Key themes: honesty, discomfort, turbulence, and their roles in psychological growth
The significance of belonging, love, and trust in healing and change processes
Staff strategies for supporting women through turbulence and maintaining professionalism amidst emotional challenges
Addressing racial biases and the importance of reflexivity within prison-based services
How staff self-care and team cohesion foster a therapeutic milieu under complex circumstances
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to research on women in therapeutic prison communities
02:02 - Nujoji and Sophie’s backgrounds and motivations
06:23 - Distinctiveness of the women's therapeutic community and research importance
09:11 - Why interpretive phenomenological analysis was chosen
10:36 - Participants' experiences of being labeled as "murderers"
13:42 - The cycle of labels, fear, and identity
16:00 - Society's role in condemning and the potential for change
20:08 - Constructing the idea of being loved in a prison context
23:22 - Moments of insight and change in therapeutic groups
28:19 - The dynamics of group work and the impact of honesty and discomfort
33:07 - Supporting women in tolerating turbulence and emotional regulation
37:17 - The importance of boundaries and team dynamics in group settings
44:10 - How large community groups help realign therapeutic processes
48:50 - Addressing racial undertones and service reflection
54:18 - The unique position of male staff working with women in prison
58:36 - The relational nature of identity, difference, and race in therapy
60:26 - Protecting staff well-being in emotionally charged environments
64:24 - Concluding thoughts on memory, self-recrimination, and ongoing growth

This episode offers deep reflections on the complexity of prison-based therapeutic work, crucial for practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in the transformative potential within high-security environments.
58 min
April 15TC Elders (Audio); Connection and Memory: Inside the Therapeutic Community Elders Network
Therapeutic Community Elders & the PETT Archive (Planned Environment Therapy Trust)
Episode summary: In this conversation, David Jones and Naomi Murphy are joined by Tom Harrison, Sarah Paget, Vicky Gavin, and David Kennard.. Together they explore what the Therapeutic Community (TC) Elders are, why their monthly open forums matter, and what it means for the field that the PETT archive at Toddington is closing. The group reflects on sustaining therapeutic community ideas, making knowledge accessible through a “living archive” (including Vicky’s A–Z artwork concept), and how people can get involved.
Guests
Tom Harrison – Psychiatrist (worked in a therapeutic community in the 1970s); historian of therapeutic communities.
Sarah Paget – Director at the Mulberry Bush; supports and coordinates the TC Elders and related activity.
Vicky (Victoria) – Formerly worked at The Retreat (Acorn programme) and managed the therapeutic community at HMP Send; also an artist developing an A–Z “living archive” concept.
David Kennard – Clinical psychologist; long-standing contributor to the therapeutic community field (including writing/editing roles) and TC Elders participant.
In this episode
Where the idea of the TC Elders came from and what the group is for.
Why the monthly Zoom Open Forums have become a key way of staying connected across countries and services.
How the Elders aim to hold a space for thinking, including “negative capability” (the capacity to sit with not knowing).
Who the Open Forums are for (not only people in formal therapeutic communities), and what people get from attending.
The story and purpose of the PETT archive—and what is being lost (and potentially preserved) as it closes.
A “living archive” approach: Vicky’s A–Z artwork as a way to invite memories, reflections, and contributions from the wider community.
Chapters / timestamps (Times approx.)
01:03 – Welcome and what the conversation will cover (TC Elders and the PETT archive).
01:29 – Introductions: Tom Harrison, Sarah Paget, Vicky (Victoria), David Kennard, Dr Naomi Murphy.
03:51 – What are the Therapeutic Community Elders and why were they formed?
05:51 – The monthly Open Forums: connection, learning, and support across settings and countries.
10:03 – How to access the Open Forums; typical attendance and the “no fee” ethos.
15:26 – Who can be an Elder? How invitations work and why in-person meetings matter.
21:51 – Vicky’s A–Z “living archive” artwork idea and how it could become open and collaborative.
28:38 – What is the PETT archive and what has it contained?
32:39 – Why the archive is closing (May 31) and the practical realities of maintaining it.
33:59 – Preserving therapeutic community ideas in a climate that often undervalues long-term, relational work.
40:04 – Closing reflections: why therapeutic community ideas are “common sense” and broader than TCs.
Key takeaways
The TC Elders are less about “giving answers” and more about holding a reflective space for practitioners and communities.
The Open Forums function as a predictable monthly “anchor” that supports people doing relational work in challenging contexts.
The PETT archive represents a major collective memory of therapeutic community practice; its closure highlights the real costs of preserving history.
“Living archive” approaches (like the A–Z concept) may help capture stories, artefacts, and learning that don’t always make it into formal publications.
Resources / contact
TC Elders contact : Sarah Paget – [email protected]
Host organisation: The Mulberry Bush (hosts the TC Elders).
Archive discussed: PETT archive (Planned Environment Therapy Trust archive) at Toddington (noted as closing May 31).
43 min
April 15TC Elders (Video); Connection and Memory: Inside the Therapeutic Community Elders Network
Therapeutic Community Elders & the PETT Archive (Planned Environment Therapy Trust)
Episode summary: In this conversation, David Jones and Naomi Murphy are joined by Tom Harrison, Sarah Paget, Vicky Gavin, and David Kennard.. Together they explore what the Therapeutic Community (TC) Elders are, why their monthly open forums matter, and what it means for the field that the PETT archive at Toddington is closing. The group reflects on sustaining therapeutic community ideas, making knowledge accessible through a “living archive” (including Vicky’s A–Z artwork concept), and how people can get involved.
Guests
Tom Harrison – Psychiatrist (worked in a therapeutic community in the 1970s); historian of therapeutic communities.
Sarah Paget – Director at the Mulberry Bush; supports and coordinates the TC Elders and related activity.
Vicky (Victoria) – Formerly worked at The Retreat (Acorn programme) and managed the therapeutic community at HMP Send; also an artist developing an A–Z “living archive” concept.
David Kennard – Clinical psychologist; long-standing contributor to the therapeutic community field (including writing/editing roles) and TC Elders participant.
In this episode
Where the idea of the TC Elders came from and what the group is for.
Why the monthly Zoom Open Forums have become a key way of staying connected across countries and services.
How the Elders aim to hold a space for thinking, including “negative capability” (the capacity to sit with not knowing).
Who the Open Forums are for (not only people in formal therapeutic communities), and what people get from attending.
The story and purpose of the PETT archive—and what is being lost (and potentially preserved) as it closes.
A “living archive” approach: Vicky’s A–Z artwork as a way to invite memories, reflections, and contributions from the wider community.
Chapters / timestamps (Times approx.)
01:03 – Welcome and what the conversation will cover (TC Elders and the PETT archive).
01:29 – Introductions: Tom Harrison, Sarah Paget, Vicky (Victoria), David Kennard, Dr Naomi Murphy.
03:51 – What are the Therapeutic Community Elders and why were they formed?
05:51 – The monthly Open Forums: connection, learning, and support across settings and countries.
10:03 – How to access the Open Forums; typical attendance and the “no fee” ethos.
15:26 – Who can be an Elder? How invitations work and why in-person meetings matter.
21:51 – Vicky’s A–Z “living archive” artwork idea and how it could become open and collaborative.
28:38 – What is the PETT archive and what has it contained?
32:39 – Why the archive is closing (May 31) and the practical realities of maintaining it.
33:59 – Preserving therapeutic community ideas in a climate that often undervalues long-term, relational work.
40:04 – Closing reflections: why therapeutic community ideas are “common sense” and broader than TCs.
Key takeaways
The TC Elders are less about “giving answers” and more about holding a reflective space for practitioners and communities.
The Open Forums function as a predictable monthly “anchor” that supports people doing relational work in challenging contexts.
The PETT archive represents a major collective memory of therapeutic community practice; its closure highlights the real costs of preserving history.
“Living archive” approaches (like the A–Z concept) may help capture stories, artefacts, and learning that don’t always make it into formal publications.
Resources / contact
TC Elders contact : Sarah Paget – [email protected]
Host organisation: The Mulberry Bush (hosts the TC Elders).
Archive discussed: PETT archive (Planned Environment Therapy Trust archive) at Toddington (noted as closing May 31).
43 min
April 08 Keith Hinchliffe (Audio); Grafton House, Breaking the Silence.

Together with David Jones and Naomi Murphy Keith shares his harrowing experience of abuse at Grafton Close children's home, the systemic failures of institutions, and the ongoing fight for justice and accountability. This candid conversation sheds light on the dark realities of institutional abuse, survivor resilience, and the need for societal change.
keywords
child abuse, institutional failure, survivor stories, justice, accountability, systemic abuse, Grafton Close, child protection, trauma, activism
key topics
Systemic failure in child protection
Survivor activism and advocacy
Institutional cover-ups and accountability
key frameworks
Institutional Culture and Child Protection
action items
Survivors should seek support from trusted individuals and organizations.
Institutions must be transparent and accountable for past abuses.
Society needs to listen to survivor stories to drive systemic change.
Advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect children and support survivors.

Sound Bites
"Paedophiles are not just male, they can be female too."
"Survivors have nothing to be ashamed of."
"We need systemic change to protect children."
Chapters (Timings approx)
00:00
Unveiling Grafton Close: A Dark History
05:06
Personal Accounts of Abuse
11:00
The Role of Staff: Ignorance or Complicity?
16:50
Seeking Accountability from Richmond Council
25:57
The Quest for Truth: FOI Requests and Denials
27:20
The Struggle Against Institutional Barriers
28:42
Uncovering the Past: The Case of Philip Saunders
34:15
Seeking Acknowledgment: The Role of the Council
36:38
The Power of Speaking Out: Waiving Anonymity
39:30
The Need for Systemic Change: Addressing Institutional Failures
42:39
The Stagnation of Justice: Challenges with the Council
47:14
Reflections on the Independent Inquiry: Missed Opportunities
51:24
Coping with the Emotional Toll: The Burden of Advocacy
53:53

55 min
April 08 Keith Hinchliffe (Video); Grafton House, Breaking the Silence.
Together with David Jones and Naomi Murphy Keith shares his harrowing experience of abuse at Grafton Close children's home, the systemic failures of institutions, and the ongoing fight for justice and accountability. This candid conversation sheds light on the dark realities of institutional abuse, survivor resilience, and the need for societal change.
keywords
child abuse, institutional failure, survivor stories, justice, accountability, systemic abuse, Grafton Close, child protection, trauma, activism
key topics
Systemic failure in child protection
Survivor activism and advocacy
Institutional cover-ups and accountability
key frameworks
Institutional Culture and Child Protection
action items
Survivors should seek support from trusted individuals and organizations.
Institutions must be transparent and accountable for past abuses.
Society needs to listen to survivor stories to drive systemic change.
Advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect children and support survivors.

Sound Bites
"Paedophiles are not just male, they can be female too."
"Survivors have nothing to be ashamed of."
"We need systemic change to protect children."
Chapters (Timings approx)
00:00
Unveiling Grafton Close: A Dark History
05:06
Personal Accounts of Abuse
11:00
The Role of Staff: Ignorance or Complicity?
16:50
Seeking Accountability from Richmond Council
25:57
The Quest for Truth: FOI Requests and Denials
27:20
The Struggle Against Institutional Barriers
28:42
Uncovering the Past: The Case of Philip Saunders
34:15
Seeking Acknowledgment: The Role of the Council
36:38
The Power of Speaking Out: Waiving Anonymity
39:30
The Need for Systemic Change: Addressing Institutional Failures
42:39
The Stagnation of Justice: Challenges with the Council
47:14
Reflections on the Independent Inquiry: Missed Opportunities
51:24
Coping with the Emotional Toll: The Burden of Advocacy
53:53

55 min
April 01 Dr Mariana Brussoni (Audio); Reimagining Play: The Role of Risk in Childhood Growth
Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools.
Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools.
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Embracing-Risky-Play-at-School-by-Megan-Zeni-Mariana-Brussoni/9780807783993?srsltid=AfmBOorD7mPo0kZ2_s2XXk8EVtwpTx24uOYOnp4TcWrWgPnyAsJydoL1

summary
This conversation explores the importance of risky outdoor play for children's development, the societal shifts that have reduced play opportunities, and how rethinking our approach can benefit children's mental and physical health.

keywords
risky play, childhood development, outdoor play, societal change, mental health, play safety, childhood devaluation

key topics
Definition and importance of risky play
Evolutionary and developmental benefits of risky play
Societal changes reducing outdoor play
Impact of reduced play on mental health
Strategies to promote safe risky play

sound bites
"Children need micro doses of uncertainty to thrive"
"Urbanization and screens have reduced outdoor play"
"Society undervalues childhood and play"

Chapters (timings approx)
00:00 The Importance of Play in Child Development
02:44 Defining Risky Play and Its Benefits
05:34 Gender Differences in Risky Play
07:51 The Evolutionary Need for Risky Play
10:33 The Impact of Overprotective Parenting
13:18 Societal Changes and Fear of Risky Play
16:07 Structured Activities vs. Free Play
18:39 Access to Play for Lower-Income Families
21:27 The Value of Play in Education
23:48 Reimagining Play in Schools
26:29 Addressing ADHD and Learning Challenges
29:17 The Role of Adults in Managing Play
31:44 Finding Joy and Fun in Play
34:40 Encouraging Adult Playfulness
resources
Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) program - https://www.opalexplorenature.org/
Stuart Brown's work on play - https://www.amazon.com/Play-How-It-Makes-Us-Human/dp/031236553X
Ellen Sandsetter's research on risky play - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ellen-Sandseter
British Columbia's Children's Hospital - https://www.bcchildrens.ca/

guest links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-brussoni/
42 min
April 01 Dr Mariana Brussoni (Video); Reimagining Play: The Role of Risk in Childhood Growth
Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools.
Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools.
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Embracing-Risky-Play-at-School-by-Megan-Zeni-Mariana-Brussoni/9780807783993?srsltid=AfmBOorD7mPo0kZ2_s2XXk8EVtwpTx24uOYOnp4TcWrWgPnyAsJydoL1

summary
This conversation explores the importance of risky outdoor play for children's development, the societal shifts that have reduced play opportunities, and how rethinking our approach can benefit children's mental and physical health.

keywords
risky play, childhood development, outdoor play, societal change, mental health, play safety, childhood devaluation

key topics
Definition and importance of risky play
Evolutionary and developmental benefits of risky play
Societal changes reducing outdoor play
Impact of reduced play on mental health
Strategies to promote safe risky play
sound bites
"Children need micro doses of uncertainty to thrive"
"Urbanization and screens have reduced outdoor play"
"Society undervalues childhood and play"

Chapters (timings approx)
00:00 The Importance of Play in Child Development
02:44 Defining Risky Play and Its Benefits
05:34 Gender Differences in Risky Play
07:51 The Evolutionary Need for Risky Play
10:33 The Impact of Overprotective Parenting
13:18 Societal Changes and Fear of Risky Play
16:07 Structured Activities vs. Free Play
18:39 Access to Play for Lower-Income Families
21:27 The Value of Play in Education
23:48 Reimagining Play in Schools
26:29 Addressing ADHD and Learning Challenges
29:17 The Role of Adults in Managing Play
31:44 Finding Joy and Fun in Play
34:40 Encouraging Adult Playfulness
resources
Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) program - https://www.opalexplorenature.org/
Stuart Brown's work on play - https://www.amazon.com/Play-How-It-Makes-Us-Human/dp/031236553X
Ellen Sandsetter's research on risky play - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ellen-Sandseter
British Columbia's Children's Hospital - https://www.bcchildrens.ca/

guest links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-brussoni/

42 min
March 25Tom Harrison (Audio); Exploring Therapeutic Communities and demise of the Ingrebourne Centre
Tom Harrison, a social psychiatrist and author, shares insights from his extensive work on therapeutic communities (TCs), focusing on the history and significance of the now-closed Ingrebourne Centre. Discover how these settings foster healing through social connection, leadership, and community, and their lessons for modern mental health services.
Key Topics
The history and importance of the Ingrebourne Centre within UK therapeutic communities
Core features of therapeutic communities: open communication, safety, and trust
Hierarchy challenges in mental health services and the potential for flatter, more collaborative models
The social and sociological aspects of TCs, including belonging and mutual aid
The role of communal activities like group meetings, psychotherapy, and creative groups
Transitional emotional space and the imaginative concept of "Imagined Ingrebourne"
Leadership styles in TCs: rebellious pioneers, considered leaders, and authoritarian tendencies
The permeable nature of therapeutic communities and boundaries with the outside world
Lessons for contemporary NHS and mental health services: community meetings, staff presence, and patient involvement
The importance of staff valuing and engaging actively in group activities to foster trust and safety
Timestamps (Approx)
00:00 - Introduction to Tom Harrison's background in NHS and therapeutic communities
02:57 - Explanation of therapeutic community features and their importance
04:50 - Impact of hierarchical structures and authority on therapeutic relationships
09:14 - Leadership styles of pioneers and modern NHS parallels
11:23 - The blurred line between staff and patients in TCs and its significance
13:48 - The metaphor of family and belonging in therapeutic recovery
16:11 - How early trauma and childhood wounds can be healed in community settings
17:25 - Types of groups in TCs: community meetings, psychotherapy, recreational activities
20:12 - The "here and now" focus in group interventions and emotional work
23:39 - Spontaneous and creative groups like art therapy and their value
25:58 - Staff reflections, group dynamics, and the role of leadership during crises
28:07 - Harold Bridger's concept of transitional and imagined spaces
30:24 - Boundaries and permeability of the Ingrebourne Centre and other TCs
32:39 - The ongoing life and influence of therapeutic communities after closure
33:37 - The power of mutual aid among patients and peer support’s significance
36:19 - Social dynamics, group behavior, and the importance of leadership in TCs
38:10 - Staff engagement in groups and establishing a culture of respect and safety
39:50 - The role of staff bound by care, presence, and boundary-setting
42:34 - The importance of kitchen and communal activities in fostering trust
46:53 - Tensions between psychoanalytic approaches and social methods in the history of TCs
49:15 - Lessons for modern mental health services: community meetings, patient involvement, spontaneous support networks
52:29 - Wrap-up and appreciation for Tom Harrison's insights and ongoing research
Resources
Richard Crockett — founder of the Ingrebourne Centre,
Craig Fees —PETT archive
Hamish Henderson — junior doctor influencing early TC practice
Maxwell Jones —Henderson Hospital, Dingleton and TCs
Tom Main —hierarchy and TC theory, Cassel Hospital
Alex Renton — referenced indirectly in discussion of hierarchy and rebellion
and in relation to public schools
Bertram Mandelbrote — Consultant psychiatrist, Phoenix Unit in Oxford
David Clarke — identified as a thoughtful TC leader Cambridge.
Andy Roberts — former patient,
Kurt Lewin —group dynamics
John Rickman — psychoanalyst
Wilfred Bion — referenced in relation to Northfield and group theory psychoanalyst
Harold Bridger — major figure re transitional space, psychiatrist
Jacob Moreno psychodrama
Lawrence Bradwick art therapy (≈24:30) [Document | Word]
Donald Winnicott — psychoanalyst, transitional space
Frederich Nietzsche — philosopher
Closing Remarks
This episode offers valuable lessons from the history and practice of therapeutic communities, emphasizing the social and relational aspects central to healing. Whether you're a mental health professional, a researcher, or interested listener, Tom's insights inspire a rethinking of how care environments can promote trust, safety, and genuine connection.
54 min
March 25Tom Harrison (Video); Exploring Therapeutic Communities and demise of the Ingrebourne Centre
Tom Harrison, a social psychiatrist and author, shares insights from his extensive work on therapeutic communities (TCs), focusing on the history and significance of the now-closed Ingrebourne Centre. Discover how these settings foster healing through social connection, leadership, and community, and their lessons for modern mental health services.
Key Topics
The history and importance of the Ingrebourne Centre within UK therapeutic communities
Core features of therapeutic communities: open communication, safety, and trust
Hierarchy challenges in mental health services and the potential for flatter, more collaborative models
The social and sociological aspects of TCs, including belonging and mutual aid
The role of communal activities like group meetings, psychotherapy, and creative groups
Transitional emotional space and the imaginative concept of "Imagined Ingrebourne"
Leadership styles in TCs: rebellious pioneers, considered leaders, and authoritarian tendencies
The permeable nature of therapeutic communities and boundaries with the outside world
Lessons for contemporary NHS and mental health services: community meetings, staff presence, and patient involvement
The importance of staff valuing and engaging actively in group activities to foster trust and safety
Timestamps (Approx)
00:00 - Introduction to Tom Harrison's background in NHS and therapeutic communities
02:57 - Explanation of therapeutic community features and their importance
04:50 - Impact of hierarchical structures and authority on therapeutic relationships
09:14 - Leadership styles of pioneers and modern NHS parallels
11:23 - The blurred line between staff and patients in TCs and its significance
13:48 - The metaphor of family and belonging in therapeutic recovery
16:11 - How early trauma and childhood wounds can be healed in community settings
17:25 - Types of groups in TCs: community meetings, psychotherapy, recreational activities
20:12 - The "here and now" focus in group interventions and emotional work
23:39 - Spontaneous and creative groups like art therapy and their value
25:58 - Staff reflections, group dynamics, and the role of leadership during crises
28:07 - Harold Bridger's concept of transitional and imagined spaces
30:24 - Boundaries and permeability of the Ingrebourne Centre and other TCs
32:39 - The ongoing life and influence of therapeutic communities after closure
33:37 - The power of mutual aid among patients and peer support’s significance
36:19 - Social dynamics, group behavior, and the importance of leadership in TCs
38:10 - Staff engagement in groups and establishing a culture of respect and safety
39:50 - The role of staff bound by care, presence, and boundary-setting
42:34 - The importance of kitchen and communal activities in fostering trust
46:53 - Tensions between psychoanalytic approaches and social methods in the history of TCs
49:15 - Lessons for modern mental health services: community meetings, patient involvement, spontaneous support networks
52:29 - Wrap-up and appreciation for Tom Harrison's insights and ongoing research
Resources
Richard Crockett — founder of the Ingrebourne Centre,
Craig Fees —PETT archive
Hamish Henderson — junior doctor influencing early TC practice
Maxwell Jones —Henderson Hospital, Dingleton and TCs
Tom Main —hierarchy and TC theory, Cassel Hospital
Alex Renton — referenced indirectly in discussion of hierarchy and rebellion
and in relation to public schools
Bertram Mandelbrote — Consultant psychiatrist, Phoenix Unit in Oxford
David Clarke — identified as a thoughtful TC leader Cambridge.
Andy Roberts — former patient,
Kurt Lewin —group dynamics
John Rickman — psychoanalyst
Wilfred Bion — referenced in relation to Northfield and group theory psychoanalyst
Harold Bridger — major figure re transitional space, psychiatrist
Jacob Moreno psychodrama
Lawrence Bradwick art therapy (≈24:30) [Document | Word]
Donald Winnicott — psychoanalyst, transitional space
Frederich Nietzsche — philosopher
Closing Remarks
This episode offers valuable lessons from the history and practice of therapeutic communities, emphasizing the social and relational aspects central to healing. Whether you're a mental health professional, a researcher, or interested listener, Tom's insights inspire a rethinking of how care environments can promote trust, safety, and genuine connection.
54 min
March 18 Jon Wedger (audio); From whistleblower to advocate, Child Trafficking Exposed
keywords
child abuse, whistleblower, child protection, exploitation, Voice for the Voiceless, systemic issues, care homes, ritual abuse, societal implications, justice
takeaways
Jon Wedger is a retired police detective and whistleblower.
He specialized in child abuse investigations, focusing on children from care homes.
Jon's investigations revealed systemic issues in child protection.
He faced significant pushback from the police for his findings.
The care system often fails to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
Jon founded Voice for the Voiceless to give a platform to abuse survivors.
He has encountered numerous cases of ritual abuse during his work.
Child abuse is a pervasive issue that transcends social classes.
Jon emphasizes the need for a dedicated focus on child protection in policing.
His personal journey has been marked by trauma and resilience.
summary
In this conversation Naomi Murphy and David Jones meet Jon Wedger, a retired police detective and whistleblower. He shares his harrowing experiences investigating child abuse within the care system, the systemic failures in child protection, the challenges he faced as a whistleblower, and the formation of his campaign, Voice for the Voiceless. Jon highlights the prevalence of exploitation and ritual abuse, emphasizing the need for societal change and a dedicated focus on child protection. His personal journey is marked by trauma, resilience, and a commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless.
https://jonwedger.org/blogs/b/give-a-voice-to-the-voiceless
sound bites
""I was told to shut up about my findings.""
""Child abuse is a rotting society.""
""Child abuse knows no boundaries.""

Chapters (Timings approx.)
00:00 The Voice for the Voiceless: Introduction to Jon Wedger
05:26 The System's Failures: Cover-Ups and Consequences
13:13 The Fight Against Institutional Abuse: A Personal Account
19:57 Voice for the Voiceless: Raising Awareness and Advocacy
27:18 The Intersection of Power, Abuse, and Society
36:26 The Disparity in Justice
47:14 The Impact of Advocacy on Identity
55 min

About The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments

From the publisher's feed

Can institutional culture challenge your mental health? What if your job makes you feel shame, sadness, grief, disgust and fear? What if you are expected not to feel? Or you are expected to be…