Prison volunteers thanked for vital role

4 December

Invercargill Prison today held an event to acknowledge 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 the work of the Prison,” says Prison Manager Stu Davie.

“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 Ann Heather; one of our individual volunteers who has been coming to the Prison for about six years.

“Aside from supporting in the ministry aspects, Ann has also typed up many parole board submissions from the prisoners as well as typing essays for their distance education amongst other things.”

Mr Davie 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:
The full list of Volunteers recognised at Invercargill Prison are:

• Individual – Barbar Low, Chaplaincy Support
• Individual – Noeline Munro, has volunteered for approximately 15 years holding group study and prayer meetings
• Individual – Ann Heather (see story)
• Group – Alcoholics Anonymous, two members of the team who have been holding regular meetings at the prison for at least seven years
• Group – Brethren Group (The Elles Road and The Rosedale Chapels)

For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:

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