South’s career in corrections spans over a decade, providing her with a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise. Heidi Klum's daughter Leni, 19, puts on a leggy and busty show as Strawberry Shortcake for her famous mother's 22nd Annual Halloween Party Davina McCall admits her relationship with Kylie Minogue 'is complicated' after 'phone snub' despite once starring in singer's music video Kim Kardashian shows off son Saint's 'Zombie Neymar Jr' costume while also unveiling his NEW buzzed hair in latest Halloween photos South makes the point frequently that prison is a microcosm, a reflection, of society outside. Many of the inmates would have already had mental health challenges, difficult upbringings, immense trauma, and a lot of this is just compounded inside. Prisons can be places of hope, sometimes – South is sure of this. But only if they are properly resourced and the staff are taken care of, too. South is honest about the psychological toll the work took on her, struggling with recurrent nightmares of men hanging themselves, unable to connect with people outside of work, isolated by the nature of a job that would be simply incomprehensible to most people. Despite the obvious daily hardships of the role, it was what psychologists would call 'moral injury' that eventually led South to quit – the gap between what she felt was right and what she was actually able to do in the circumstances had become too big, for too long.

Behind these Doors: As heard on Radio 4 Book of the Week

She is also a Trustee of Trinity Winchester, a homeless charity supporting people who are vulnerable to the effects of homelessness, addiction, physical and mental ill health, poverty, social isolation and domestic abuse. Kelly Clarkson, 41, shows off her slender shape in a denim dress when chatting up Priscilla star Jacob Elordi

Featured in...

Nathan Cleary's dating history: Everything we know about the NRL star's past relationships as he goes public with his Matildas star girlfriend Mary Fowler This is a beautifully written account about hope and optimism, of humanity, realism, resilience and the complexity of people.' Professor David Wilson I couldn’t talk about art and culture and gossip when people were killing themselves just down the road! I wanted to get to my room and have no noise at all. I just needed silence.’ Coco Austin, 44, displays her famous curves in cropped shirt as she and her husband Ice-T, 65, nail a gangster inspired look for Heidi Klum's Halloween party

BBC Radio 4 - Behind These Doors by Alex South

Usher reveals teenage son is 'directing' his Super Bowl halftime show - but R&B legend maintains silence as he's probed on THOSE Justin Bieber rumors EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: Mystery as Prince Andrew's favourite club Tramp - which played host to stars including Michael Caine and Keith Moon - closes its doorsMatthew Perry's The West Wing co-star Bradley Whitford pens powerful tribute as he hailed 'huge, open heart' and 'heroic battle' with addiction

Behind These Doors by Alex South, Episode 3 BBC Radio 4 - Behind These Doors by Alex South, Episode 3

James Haskell is seen for the first time since Chloe Madeley split while she sports racy boots for outing with daughter BodhiThis is a beautifully written account about hope and optimism, of humanity, realism, resilience and the complexity of people.’ Professor David Wilson British Soap Awards are CANCELLED: ITV make surprise announcement ceremony will not take place next year after Phillip Schofield stepped down With a career spanning over a decade, Alex South brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise to her writing. As a female prison officer, she has witnessed the complexities and intricacies of life behind bars, offering a rare glimpse into a world that remains largely hidden from public view. Her book serves as a testament to her dedication and commitment to improving the prison system, as well as her desire to raise awareness and provoke meaningful discussions about the issues faced by both inmates and staff. Priscilla Presley breaks down in tears as she says late daughter Lisa Marie was 'suicidal' months before her death Brooke Shields looks effortlessly chic in sweatshirt and jeans... after revealing she survived horrifying seizure with help from Bradley Cooper