This is how we break the cycle of homelessness and incarceration

A new series of short films exploring why people become homeless has been made by Cardboard Citizens, a charity that uses drama and performance to transform the lives of those who have lived experienced of homelessness, in collaboration with Black Apron Entertainment.

Each film is written and performed by people who have experienced homelessness, poverty or inequity.

This week’s film puts the spotlight on the justice system.

Hailing from Brixton, Errol McGlashan/Uncle Errol is an award-winning storyteller involved in initiatives promoting literacy and creativity among current or former prisoners. In 2023, he made his stage debut with his first self-penned solo show, Something to Take off the Edge, which was selected as part of the RSC’s 37 Plays, a national playwriting project to create a new folio of brand new plays to mark the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s first folio. Uncle Errol performed the tragicomedy at theatres and festivals across the UK, and is now planning its nationwide tour to hostels. 

‘Prisoners released without a fixed abode have a higher risk of returning to prison’

I first got locked up in a secure unit at 15, which started a pattern of behaviour that saw me in and out of prison right up to my fifties. Almost every time, there was a recurring event: someone would get released, give away all their stuff, hug their mates, stick up a middle finger to those they didn’t get along with, and then return after a few months, weeks, or even days. 

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The monologue I wrote for More Than One Story explores this phenomenon from a homelessness perspective. It’s a spin-off from my solo theatre show, Something to Take Off the Edge, about two cellmates who form an unlikely friendship flirting with heroin, chocolate Hobnobs, and Shakespeare while serving long-term prison sentences in the 80s. I am currently touring it around prisons and hostels. 

This monologue, No Walls, Still Trapped brings the main protagonist, Terry, from my show into a modern-day setting of homelessness. This setting highlights one of the reasons for the epidemic of recidivism in the UK prison system. Specifically, prisoners released with NFA (No Fixed Abode) are more likely to reoffend or breach the terms of their license, leading to their return to prison. 

This aspect of homelessness is a big issue because prisoners released without a fixed abode have a higher risk of reoffending and returning to prison. Experiencing homelessness makes individuals feel extremely insecure, making them more likely to breach licence conditions due to their dire situation. For example, they might fail to report to probation, violate curfews, struggle with substance abuse, associate with the wrong people, or engage in criminal activity out of desperation. Addressing this issue is crucial to reducing recidivism and helping former prisoners reintegrate into society, breaking the cycle of homelessness and incarceration.

No Walls, Still Trapped stars Michael Quartey who trained at the Anna Scher Theatre School and has worked across TV, theatre and film appearing in shows such as EastEnders and The Bill.

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