What’s happening?
A former prisoner is sharing how a prison chaplain helped change his life after years of trauma, grief and violence.
Bradley grew up in the foster care system and suffered ongoing abuse. He learned early not to show emotion and described his heart as growing cold.
That changed when his brother died while Bradley was 23, a loss that left him overwhelmed with grief.
He turned to drugs, alcohol and fighting to cope. Bradley said, “If I wasn’t drinking and fighting it was because I was sick.”
His life shifted during a later time in custody when a chaplain approached him directly.
“God’s asked me to talk to you,” the prison chaplain said.
Bradley said that moment opened his heart and led him to counselling and support through Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy.
Why it matters
The story shows how trauma and loss can shape behaviour when support is not in place. It also shows how guidance and intervention can help people change direction.
For many inmates, access to chaplaincy and counselling provides a chance to process past experiences and rebuild.
Local Impact
Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy continues to support people in custody across Queensland, offering help during critical moments.
Bradley’s story shows how that support can lead to long-term change outside prison.
By the numbers
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Bradley was sentenced to seven years in prison after a violent attack, highlighting the serious consequences of his actions.
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He later faced another prison sentence for drug trafficking, showing how cycles of offending can continue without intervention.
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Today, he is a father of seven children and runs his own clothing business, marking a major shift in his life direction.
Zoom in
The turning point came during a simple moment while Bradley sat playing cards with other inmates.
The chaplain’s direct message led him to open up, attend counselling and begin working through past trauma.
He also joined regular bible study sessions in prison and learned scriptures that continue to guide him.
Zoom out
Many people in prison carry unresolved trauma, which can drive behaviour and repeat offending.
Support programs such as chaplaincy services play a key role in helping individuals reflect, heal and rebuild their lives.
What to look for next
Organisations are calling for continued community support to expand chaplaincy services and reach more inmates.
Bradley now shares his experience to encourage others, saying, “If you open your heart and you want to change, it is possible.”
