ROTARY BEHIND BARS Change IS possible, say Alison and Howard
A Rotary-backed initiative which helps offenders realise that change is possible and their past does not have to dictate their future is showing promising results at Parc Prison, Bridgend. The initiative called “You Can Change” uses selected DVDs as inspiration (Mohammad Ali, Tookie Williams the Cripps Gang Leader, Gandhi and others).
Ex-con Howard Craven of Swansea, appointed Rotary’s Community Champion for his work in helping Category B Parc Prison inmates reclaim their lives, says “It’s about trying to ignite beliefs and challenging attitudes. Some people get it, others don’t.
It’s about choices.”
Rotary’s involvement had small beginnings and started with District Peace Officer, Alison Sutherland, gazing out of her window and registering prison vehicles taking prisoners to and from the courts from Cardiff Prison. She started to wonder whether the cycle of offending, prison, release, re-offending, prison again could be broken by adapting Rotary’s PeaceJam Juvenile’s initiative. PeaceJam
introduces young people to the lives and work of Nobel Peace Laureates in an exciting interactive format that fosters 21st century skills, leadership development, and global citizenship. The PeaceJam mission is “to create young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world through the inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates who pass on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody.”
Since its beginning in 1996 over one million youth worldwide have taken part in the initiative and implemented over two million service projects in their communities. By now Alison was gripped by the project and spoke to one of the Assistants to the Crime Commissioner, suggesting that the PeaceJam Juvenile activity could be adapted for prisoners. The prison staff were initially cautious, wanting to know if she could do this and whether she would fit in. It was suggested that she begin on the Young Persons Unit which houses young men (some as young as 16) mainly coming from gang cultures. As the time drew near to delivery of the
activity, the prison told Alison that they had selected Howard Craven to work with her. The combination was a winning one, each bringing
something different. Alison said “Howard and I are different but we compliment each other, like good cop, bad cop, however we get the reaction and we seem to be getting the results.”
Prisoners from the Endeavour Unit (former servicemen) and the Fathers Unit (each prisoner being a father) were given the opportunity to sign up for the activity, running over three full days. Once per quarter, up to sixteen prisoners spend three days in one of the small teaching rooms off the prison wings. The activity uses the PeaceJam Juvenile initiative which has the support and contributions from fourteen Nobel Peace Laureates (including the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu). PeaceJam itself has been nominated eight times for the Nobel Peace Prize. Called “You Can Change”, it uses selected DVDs as inspiration. It does not judge but provides the opportunity for the prisoners to explore the root causes for themselves of why they are imprisoned, challenging their views, prejudices, hopes and fears. They are asked on the first day if they think change is possible (some think not) and they are asked again at the end of the third day (all have agreed).
The most recent activity had a young man of about 23 years of age who had served several prison sentences for drug related offences. His path seemed set. At the end of the course, he approached Howard saying he wanted to change and asked for Howard’s further input to help him to change. Change can occur whilst serving their sentence i.e. accessing more interventions, having a plan of where they want to be and how to get there, restored relationships with their family friends and generally better behaviour within the prison.
The activity is awaiting the results of an independent study by Cardiff Metropolitan University. Alison delivers this activity, together with Howard (Rotary District 1150 Community Champion of Change) on behalf of the District in her role as District Peace Officer.
There has been much criticism of prisons
and staff but Parc Prison is seen as a flagship for interventions with an holistic approach to the custody and care of prisoners. Both Alison and Howard said how much they believe in this activity and that they remain committed to doing more, both sharing the Rotary ethos of making a difference and being an inspiration.
Above, good cop, bad cop, Alison and Howard. Below, left, Alison and her discussion group. Right, a Wing at Parc Prison.
12
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32