Margaret outside the old Albany Convict Jail in Western Australia.
Margaret, Merv and Maggie (see their stories) are just three of the nearly 2900 volunteers working in Corrections’ 20 prisons. Their stories highlight the varied and useful work done by prison volunteers.
Chief Executive Barry Matthews says volunteers provide invaluable support for prisoners and their families and give prisoners the opportunity to spend their free time constructively.
"Volunteers make a great number of activities possible which complement Corrections employment and education programmes," says Barry.
As well as providing a safe and secure environment, Corrections has a duty to be humane, and National Advisor Volunteers Russell Underwood says interaction with volunteers helps to humanise our prisons.
"Volunteers tend to be very positive and caring people. They can be ideal role models for prisoners who want to turn their lives around."
Russell is currently consulting with all volunteers and volunteering organisations as part of a nationwide review of the Corrections volunteer policy.
"The main aims of the review are to engage with volunteers and make sure we’re working consistently across the country. It’s been very warmly received by volunteers and is progressing well," he says.
Prison volunteering has been part of Margaret’s life for 24 years.
She’s a pastoral visitor, part of the chaplaincy team, and spends around 30 hours a week at the prison. Her role is spiritual and practical.
In a typical day she might break the news to a prisoner that a loved one has died, talk to another prisoner who’s received a Dear John letter, give a bible studies class, and put a referral through to the Restorative Justice Service for a prisoner who wants to apologise to his victim.
"It’s very rewarding. To be able to be there for a person who’s having a hard time is a privilege. It’s also very humbling."
She says she’s never felt intimidated, partly because most prisoners know she’s there to help them.
"Also, you have such a great back-up system. I carry an alarm and a radio. Once I pressed the alarm by mistake and the Corrections officers were there instantly!"
Margaret’s dedication to her role is highlighted by her studies. She is currently doing a Drug and Alcohol Studies Course through Wellington Polytechnic. She has a Certificate in Trauma Studies and is an Associate of Theology, as well as having counselling papers, and attends staff training days whenever she can.
"When I visit someone in prison I try to inject just a little more hope into that person. Just spending time with them is sometimes all it takes. They’ve had the courage to ask to see me, and that in itself is a positive thing."
Margaret volunteered for 10 years at Auckland Prison and 10 years at central North Island prisons before moving to Christchurch.
Merv coaches rugby league - and
teaches life skills and values.
Merv coaches the prisoners' rugby league team at Auckland Prison. He sees the team twice a week - at practice on Thursdays and at the games they play against other Auckland teams on Sundays."
Feedback from the teams they play is always good. They’re often amazed at the high standard of play and sportsmanship," says Merv. Merv enjoys sharing his passion for rugby league with the men. He also teaches discipline, the importance of family, togetherness, encouragement of each other and self-worth.
"One of the reasons I do it is so when they get out they can join a club. All the guys I coached last year have joined clubs they played against when they were in prison."
Merv, who learned some of his coaching skills from Brian McClennan, the current Kiwis coach, says he never has any trouble with the prisoners.
"Some of them look up to me as a mentor because I show them new skills."
Maggie encourages the women at Arohata
Prison to explore the world of literature.
Maggie Rainey-Smith is a Books in Prisons Trust volunteer who spends every Thursday sharing her love of literature with the women at Arohata Prison.
She assists the Trust site co-ordinator, Alison Tong, by helping women choose books from the prison library and running a writing group and a book group.
"I learn from it and love hearing their opinions. I’ve seen a young woman take apart a Seamus Heeney poem better than I could," she says.
The book group also reads Owen Marshall, Patricia Grace and Witi Ihimaera, among other great authors.
Maggie was a first-time volunteer when she approached the Books in Prisons Trust three years ago, and since then she’s loved the free exchange of her time and the women’s desire to explore books and writing.
"It’s a joy and a privilege for me to be there," she says.
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ISSN 1178-8453