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Welcome to PLAS
Expert advocacy tailored for your unique needs.
Committed to Your Sentence
Get in touch for a confidential chat
I know how you feel
Don't dwell on what went wrong
Focus on what's next
About
North Yorkshire-based advice
Welcome to PLAS, the Prison Liaison Advisory Service based in Selby, North Yorkshire which is central to the whole of the UK, which means we can cover the whole of the UK. I am dedicated to providing expert prison advice and support to individuals and their loved ones to navigate the complexities of the probation/prison system. With my experience, I understand the unique challenges faced by those found guilty/plead guilty of an offence. My commitment is to empower clients with knowledge and resources, ensuring they feel supported at every step of the way. Whether you are looking for guidance during a trial or seeking advice on your prison rights, my mission is to be your trusted advisor. I take pride in offering personalised services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the attention you deserve.
At PLAS, I prioritise your well-being and strive to offer a compassionate approach to prison advocacy. I believe that every individual deserves a fair chance at prison life, and I work tirelessly to answer all your questions. My comprehensive understanding of prison law and mental health, enables me to provide strategic advice, which can make a significant difference in your preparation. Moreover, I emphasise the importance of how this can affect your mental health wellbeing and offer clear communication, ensuring you are always informed and involved in the decisions affecting your future. With PLAS, you are not just another case; you are a valued client, and your concerns are my priority.
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The founder’s story and credentials
PLAS was founded by James Atkinson following a personal 18-month prison sentence served from February to June 2025 across Category B, C and D facilities. This experience revealed a widespread lack of preparation among new inmates, from understanding daily routines and jargon to managing mental health.
James holds a qualification in Mental Health First Aid and Advocacy and is currently completing a Certificate of Competency in Prison Law (expected December 2025).James also holds an Enhanced DBS check certificate. This combination of lived experience and professional training forms the unique, empathetic foundation of PLAS.
Why Choose Us?
Prison Liaison Advisory Service (PLAS) is a unique consultancy based in Selby, North Yorkshire, designed to bridge the critical knowledge gap in the UK criminal justice system. We provide first-hand, practical guidance on prison life to first-time offenders, their families, and legal professionals.
The Problem: Over 65,700 first-time offenders enter UK prisons annually, often unprepared and unsupported. This is exacerbated by a crisis in legal aid, with over 1,400 duty solicitors leaving the system since 2017. Many legal professionals lack the practical prison knowledge to properly advise their clients, leading to increased trauma, poor mental health outcomes, and higher recidivism.
The Solution: PLAS offers empathetic, expert-led consultancy services founded on the founder’s direct lived experience of the UK prison system. Our services include pre-sentencing advisory, prison induction programs, and professional training for legal teams, all integrated with a mental health first aid approach.
PLAS exists to reduce the trauma of incarceration for first-time offenders by providing essential, first-hand guidance and emotional support. We aim to demystify the prison system, improve legal preparedness, and foster better mental health and reintegration outcomes