Outstanding prison volunteers honoured

3 December

Christchurch Men’s and Christchurch Women’s prisons today held events acknowledging the hard work of prison volunteers who freely give their time and expertise to offer prisoners constructive activities.

“The Volunteer Recognition Awards are held annually in association with International Volunteer Day and it is our chance to thank all our wonderful volunteers for their positive contribution to prison life,” says Assistant Regional Manager Ian Bourke.

“The existence of a diverse and energetic pool of volunteers brings a community perspective to our services and contributes towards helping offenders positively return to the community.

“While we’re thankful for the work of every volunteer, there are some groups and individuals whose effort and dedication really stand out.  Today has been a chance to give them the recognition they deserve.

“A great example of this is Eileen Dwyer; one of our individual volunteer workers at Christchurch Women’s who acts as a Pastoral Assistant, supporting prisoners in many ways.

“Eileen attends Parole Board hearings with prisoners, assists in finding places in Christchurch for visiting family members to stay and she has also been instrumental in introducing the Alternatives to Violence - Creating Peaceful Pathways programme to Christchurch prisons.”

Mr Bourke says Corrections is committed to developing and maintaining a strong and progressive volunteer policy to achieve the Department’s goal of reducing reoffending through the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.

“By providing a varied array of constructive activities, volunteers can help prisoners by supporting literacy, numeracy and other educational programmes; by teaching life or employment skills for reintegration back into the community on release from prison; or by offering opportunities for prisoners to develop a sense of self-worth and to turn their life around.”

Corrections is always looking for new volunteers who can bring constructive activities into prisons. If you know someone who may be able to help, they can email volunteering@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 495 8428 for more information.

Notes to reporter:
Rolleston Prison held their Volunteer Recognition Award ceremony at the end of last week.

The full list of Volunteers recognised in the Canterbury Region are:

• Rolleston Prison Individual – Samuel Kahui, volunteers as part of the Alcoholics Anonymous team that delivers weekly AA meetings.
• Rolleston Prison Group – Salvation Army Team, 8 – 9 members who visit Totara Unit monthly to challenge the men to games of indoor bowls.
• Christchurch Women’s Individual – Eileen Dwyer (see story)
• Christchurch Women’s Team – St Vincent de Paul, church group that are always willing to go the extra mile for the women.
• Christchurch Men’s Individual – Jeff Harris, a WAT Buddha Samakhee, who visits the prison and takes meditation sessions in several units.
• Christchurch Men’s Team – Bryndwr Chapel Group, delivers church services and bible study.

For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:

• Phone: (04) 460 3365
• Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz