Support Shaun (IPP patient) to rebuild his life.

Shaun is hoping that he will be granted his freedom this year after spending 10 years in prison and 7 years in secure mental health hospitals, although his release is not guaranteed.

In 2005 Shaun attempted suicide by trying to get police officers to shoot him dead. As a result, he was given an indeterminate sentence called Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) with a 35 month tariff.  Like many people given an IPP, Shaun got lost in the system and was unable to gain release after 35 months.  He instead spent many years in prison over tariff and was then placed in a high secure mental health hospital (Rampton). He has not had an oral parole board hearing for 7 years years, despite this being his only route to release.

At the time of his attempted suicide Shaun was suffering from acute depression and an episode of psychosis. During his childhood he wore a body worn hearing aid and struggled with a severe speech impediment while attending mainstream schools. He was bullied and often left out of school activities due to his disability. Shaun was able to overcome his feelings of shame and isolation in adulthood and volunteered as an advocate for young deaf people in the 1990s and set up a deaf advice service in Rotherham. In 2004 Shaun had testicular cancer and the chemotherapy treatment caused him to suffer from bouts of debilitating depression which he tried to tackle by drinking heavily.

Now Shaun is doing really well in a pre -discharge low secure ward in Cheswold Park Hospital.  He has a strong desire to be an advocate for deaf awareness and volunteer as an expert by experience to help other people who are in secure, closed environments.  Shaun has been active in governance meetings at the hospital in order to improve conditions for his fellow patients. He has attended therapy courses which have given him the coping skills and techniques to help manage negative feelings and thoughts.

Now Shaun has an opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful life out in the community. Unfortunately, due to a clerical error, Shaun owes the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) £9,000 in overpaid Universal Credit benefit payments.  This means his monthly benefit entitlement will be reduced for a long time in order to pay back this debt.

Can you help Shaun to buy the items to help him now, such as his own food to cook and also items he will need for a new home and a new life outside of the hospital walls?  Furniture, kitchen utensils, a television, bedding, clothes, books, music and a phone.   Shaun can’t wait to be able to cook his own meals as traditional British dishes are his favourite. And to enjoy the music he loves as he visits local beauty spots, if you want recommendations for classical and old school ska music then Shaun is your man!

Having a good start on release and a cosy, comfortable home will make a huge difference. Thank you.

Update July

I have been offered a placement at the Citizens Advice Bureau but I need my British Sign Language level 2 and the cost of gaining this certificate is £705 and it could lead to paid work,  imagine how good this would look at a Parole Hearing and almost guarantee me release.

If you can help me in anyway I would be really grateful. Thank you. 


www.pfej.org/post/shaun-thomas-ipp
#supportshaunIPP