In this issue, we highlight Toastmasters and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses – just two of the many constructive activities that volunteers provide in prisons. Activities like these are important tools to upskill and motivate prisoners while helping them to maintain activity.

Bored prisoners, of course, are far more likely to be disruptive and troublesome for our staff and less likely to positively reintegrate back into society.

As well as providing a community perspective, volunteers deliver a wide range of services and activities that help to reduce the problems of idleness and help prisoners get motivated to change their lives.

This year our staff will continue to work with voluntary and community sector organisations to introduce even more constructive activities into our prisons.

Competition to attract and retain skilled volunteers is intense, and we recognise that we must continue to improve the way in which we support, recognise and value volunteers. We have made good progress but there remains much to do. You have my assurance that my staff and I remain fully committed to supporting the key principles set out in our new volunteer policy.

We want to hear from you! Let us know what we are doing well and where we can improve, so that the partnership between the Department, yourselves and your organisations can continue to flourish. Email volunteering@corrections.govt.nz with your thoughts.

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