Welcome to PLAS
Expert advocacy tailored for your unique needs.
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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.
PLAS will be a registered CIC. Which means the company will not be run for profit.(CIC, Community Interest Company) meaning any money made will be put back into the local Community.
The founder’s story and credentials
Meet James Atkinson
PLAS (Prison Liaison Advisory Service) was founded by James Atkinson to bring clarity, compassion, and practical guidance to those facing imprisonment for the first time, and to the professionals supporting them.
During an 18-month sentence served across Category B, C, and D facilities, James recognised a critical gap in how individuals and families are prepared for the realities of prison life, from understanding daily routines and jargon to managing mental health. This experience inspired the creation of PLAS: a consultancy dedicated to bridging that knowledge gap with empathy, integrity, and lived understanding.
James holds qualifications in Mental Health First Aid and Advocacy and is completing a Certificate of Competency in Prison Law (expected January 2026). He is now completing a counselling course (expected January 2026) He also holds an Enhanced DBS check and NCFE CACHE accreditation.
This combination of lived experience and ongoing professional training forms the unique, empathetic foundation of PLAS. James Atkinson is personally dedicated to offering informed, respectful support for both families navigating incarceration and organisations involved in the UK justice system.
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
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