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Recently National Prison Radio welcomed journalist, writer, podcaster and mental health campaigner Alastair Campbell to HMP Brixton.
In an insightful interview, Campbell shared his views on a number of issues affecting people serving prison sentences.
He told National Prison Radio how being arrested saved his life, offered his views on prison reform, and shared his stories of playing the bagpipes behind bars at HMP Pentonville.
Many people will remember Alastair as the Director of Communications and Strategy for former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
He talked about his experiences in politics and reveals how an encounter with the police made him realise he needed to take action to improve his mental health:
“I had no choice. It’s the only time in my life I was arrested: I had a psychotic breakdown. Two plain clothes policemen picked me up and I reckon they saved my life.”
Reflecting on his journey, Campbell shared some things that have helped him manage his mental health: medication, music, exercise, diet, and making sure he gets enough sleep. But he said it is important to understand that everyone’s experience is different.
He also encouraged people who are suffering right now to find someone they trust and talk to them about their feelings.
During the conversation, Campbell emphasized the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in building a better society:
“We achieve more together than we do alone.”
He listened to recordings from National Prison Radio listeners telling him why they feel disconnected from politics.
“Politics is not just about politicians” he told National Prison Radio listeners.
“When you guys get out, let’s just say you decide you could become an important voice in prison reform… that’s politics! You’re getting involved in the political debate”.
He talked about how it just takes one person to make a difference and told his interviewers they should go into politics themselves.
As well as talking about politics, prisons and mental-health, the National Prison Radio team also convinced him to share his top tips on communication, leadership and surviving hard-times.
And of course, he wasn’t allowed to leave the studio without playing the popular National Prison Radio quiz game that features throughout our shows: Say More!
Did he beat the current leader from the National Prison Radio team in HMP Brixton? Listeners inside prison can tune into to National Prison Radio in August to find out.
Listeners can hear Alastair Campbell on NPR Talk every day from Monday 18th August to Friday 22nd August.
NPR Talk is on every weekday (Mon-Fri) at 12 midday and 6pm.
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