From Robber to Reformer: How Terry Woodall Turned His Life Around

From Robber to Reformer: The Terry Woodall Story

Terry Woodall’s path in life has been anything but straightforward. Plagued by addiction and mental health issues from a young age, Terry turned to robbery and spent much of his early adulthood behind bars. However, that all changed when Terry had an epiphany during one of his last stints in prison - he knew he needed help to turn his life around.

The Early Downward Spiral

Like many who end up incarcerated, Terry’s story begins in childhood trauma. Having grown up in the care system from age 5, Terry struggled to form secure attachments and develop his identity. He started drinking and doing drugs as a teen, beginning his journey into addiction and destructive behaviors.

By his early 20s, Terry’s substance abuse led him into petty crime to support his habit. After repeat arrests and sentences, his crimes escalated into armed bank and security van robberies. “I just didn’t care,” he told journalists, “I felt like society didn’t care about people like me, so why should I care about following the rules.”

The Turning Point in Prison

In 2015, Terry was sentenced to 12 years in prison after his most serious robbery offense. “That was the wake up call I needed,” he said. “I realized if I carried on like this, I’d just keep going in and out of prison until I died.”

It was then that Terry decided to seek help. He applied for mental health services in the prison where he was able to unpack his early childhood traumas. He also joined Narcotics Anonymous, working through the 12 Step program to overcome his addiction.

The Power of Rehabilitation

As part of his rehabilitation program, Terry was encouraged to study for qualifications that would help him secure work on release. He gained vocational skills in construction and welding, discovering new passions in the process.

“For the first time, I felt hopeful about my future outside prison,” Terry shared. “The therapy helped me process my past so I wasn’t just angry anymore. And the job skills gave me something positive to work towards.”

Paying It Forward

Terry ended up serving 8 years of his 12 year sentence. Since being released in 2021, he is now paying forward the help he received by running workshops to support other ex-offenders.

His construction skills gained him work quickly and he used his first wages to rent a hall and print flyers. “I wanted to help people like me make that transition back into society,” Terry explained.

The Ongoing Need for Support

Terry’s example highlights the transformations that can happen when rehabilitation is prioritized over punishment alone. Many ex-offenders struggle upon release due to lack of community, work skills, and mental health resources.

Terry now advocates to government agencies about improving release programs. “If I hadn’t gotten that help in prison, I know I would have reoffended by now,” he argues.

Holistic Help Works

The key learning from Terry’s case is that holistic support covering psychological, vocational and social integration help is crucial. Research shows investment into these services could reduce reoffending rates by up to 20%.

However, less than 30% of prisoners currently access mental health treatments. There is still a long way to go in providing sufficient rehabilitation programs.

AStep Forward for Criminal Justice

While some see ex-offenders as forever hardened or wasted resource, Terry stands as an example that people and communities stand to gain by giving second chances.

“If sentences are partly about keeping communities safe, then surely rehab and support upon release are vital parts of that,” Terry reasons. “Otherwise, the cycle keeps on repeating.”

Joining Forces for Positive Change

Terry’s dream now is to establish a peer mentoring and employment program for people when they leave prison. “If I could find 20 business owners willing to donate materials or tools and take on an apprentice, just imagine the impact,” he says with hope.

“For real change, those of us pushing for it have to band together – ex-offenders, professionals, community groups alike. It's going to be a journey but

FAQs

What crimes was Terry Woodall convicted for?

Terry had a history of petty crime and substance abuse from a young age. In his early 20s, this escalated into armed bank and security van robberies which ultimately led to his longest prison sentence of 12 years in 2015.

What helped turn Terry's life around in prison?

Terry says accessing mental health services and unpacking his childhood traumas was the first step. Joining Narcotics Anonymous and working the 12 step program also helped him overcome addiction. Gaining qualifications in construction and welding gave him hope and job skills for release.

What kind of support does Terry now offer other ex-offenders?

Drawing on his own experience, Terry runs workshops to help ex-offenders transition back into society upon release. He provides mentoring and practical support with finding employment and community integration.

Why does Terry advocate for more rehabilitation services?

Terry argues too few prisoners can access vital rehab support. With research showing a 20% reduction in reoffending rates when mental health, social and job help is offered, Terry campaigns for increased funding and availability of such programs.