Think First

Think First is a groupwork programme for offenders who act impulsively - and their ‘act first - think later’ attitude is shown to be a trigger to their offending.

The programme aims to reduce re-offending by teaching basic problem-solving skills. Think First uses techniques aimed at changing the way people think and behave. It focuses on all aspects of an offender’s life which may contribute to law breaking. It also concentrates probation resources on offenders most at risk of re-offending.

Think First runs for 22 group sessions over 11 weeks. LRPT also runs a Cognitive Skills Booster Programme for offenders who have completed earlier Thinking Skills programmes while in prison or on a community sentence.

Philip says ...

"The different role plays in the programme helped me understand things. I did one with another guy who pretended to be a drug pusher. You have to think of it like a real situation. Think First teaches you how to stop and think. "The tutors try and get into your mind. I have learnt that other people have a right to their own opinion. You may disagree with it, but they have a right to say it. In the past I didn't respect that.
"I feel that you have to see the programme as a positive thing. To get something out of it, you have got to put something in. There is homework to do after the sessions. If you muck it up, then speak to the tutors. You have to stay focussed."