4 June 2010

Inspirational best-selling author Lauren Roche visited Christchurch Women’s Prison today, speaking with the prisoners about her life and how she’s turned it around.

“We were very fortunate to have Lauren give up her time to come and talk to prisoners and staff,” says Christchurch Women’s Prison Manager Wayne McKnight. “She had a challenging start to life but has managed to turn things around; going back to school and then onto university to become a doctor.”

Lauren Roche says speaking at the women’s prison was an exciting experience for her.

“I know that many of the women will relate to my early life – my goal in speaking was to ignite a spark… to show them a better life is possible, with dreams and hard work.  It is very rewarding to hear of the changes that happen.”

One of the prisoners says as she sat listening to Lauren’s story, she was amazed by her strength and her drive for success and change. 

“Lauren’s story has made sense to everything I’ve learnt [through courses in prison], if you change your way of thinking and put all your heart into it, then you, and only you, can change the way your future turns out,” says another prisoner who admits to starting her sentence blaming people for her mistakes and not taking responsibility.

Mr McKnight is hopeful her talk with the prisoners will also encourage them to continue their education, to hold onto their dreams and aspirations and eventually turn their lives around too.

ENDS
 
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Phone: (04) 460 3365
Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz

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