15 October
Community groups in Blenheim could get a helping hand with their next project, through using offenders on community work sentences.
Community Probation and Psychological Services (CPPS) manages offenders sentenced by the courts to carry out a sentence of community work, which requires offenders to do unpaid work in the community for non-profit organisation as reparation for their offending.
Community Probation & Psychological Services Nelson/Marlborough Area Manager Polly Cunningham says offenders have to dedicate a set amount of their time to providing a community service. To help achieve this they need worthy groups and suitable projects to assist.
“Offenders have helped out with a huge variety of projects around the country - from constructing walking and biking tracks, garden restoration, rubbish and scrub clearing, painting, tree removal, and assisting with marae maintenance and other community agencies.”
Projects we’ve conducted in Blenheim include work for Age Concern, the SPCA and track projects in the Wither Hills.
The offenders are managed by community work supervisors while on the job, and are assessed as to their suitability for any projects they take part in.
“If people have connections with marae, churches, educational, charitable or recreational organisations, we encourage them to get in touch if they have projects they need a hand with”.
“We recently received thanks from Age Concern - they appreciated the assistance given to an elderly Marlborough resident. They said it gave her a real lift and she appreciated the community support shown to her.”
Polly says that while the community groups benefit from the work, it also serves a valuable purpose for the offenders involved.
“Community Work is also a practical way to help offenders learn new skills and work habits, which can assist with getting future employment which has been shown to greatly reduce the chances of further offending.”
People can get in touch with the Blenheim Service Centre by phoning (03) 579 1800.
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Phone: (04) 460 3365
Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
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