14 October
Prisoners from Christchurch Men’s Prison have given back to the local community by building games for stroke victims at Southland Hospital's language speech therapy unit.
“Two prisoners from Christchurch Men's Prison joinery workshop worked on the board games, following a request from Southland Hospital for a shove ha'penny board and a set of table skittles for use by stroke victims,” says Corrections Inmate Employment Regional Operations Manager Bill Bird.
“We are always happy to work on projects like this as it gives prisoners the challenge of coming up with good ideas to design and develop the finished product. It’s good to see prisoner's working hands on showing a good positive attitude, and having motivation to do something that benefits others.
“The prisoners learnt a variety of new Joinery skills when they constructed these games which required accuracy and attention to detail when cutting, machining, assembling, painting and colour staining. The skills they learned all contributed to their FITEC unit standards in Furniture – Joinery, which is part of a National Certificate level 2 in Furniture - Joinery.
“The prisoners involved show a keen interest when it comes to completing projects for the hospital, especially knowing that it is going to a good cause and will benefit those in need,” says Bill.
“The games were made at the request of the hospital for a weekly group run for stroke victims. They were designed to try to give the patients an activity or game at the end of their treatment that is not speech related, just to get them having fun and laughing together.
“Corrections has had a very positive relationship with Southland Hospital over the years, and this latest contribution to the Hospital is part of an on-going contribution made by prisoners.
“We have made miniature furniture for a children's ward previously and card holders for stroke patients at Southland Hospital, and I know that the equipment gets used daily and is enjoyed a great deal.
“By introducing prisoners to basic employment skills we help to give them valuable work experience and teach them trade specific skills that can be used when they return to the community,” says Bill.
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