Long welcomes start of Prisons Week
Date published:
The spiritual, emotional, social and practical needs of prison staff, those in custody and their families, victims of crime and their communities are foremost in our minds during Prisons Week (13-19 October).
That was the message from Justice Minister Naomi Long as she marked the start of the annual week of reflection during a visit to Maghaberry Prison and the Sycamore Tree Programme.
Run by Prison Fellowship, a Christian ministry group, the volunteer-led Sycamore Tree Programme teaches principles of restorative justice, addresses issues including the impact of crime on victims, steps to address offending behaviours and forgiveness.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Around 150 prisoners across our three prisons have been participating in The Sycamore Tree Programme. This volunteer-led work is providing an opportunity for each participant to reflect on the harm caused by their actions, and encourage perpetrators to consider a restorative justice process to include the victim of the harm caused.
“It is a pathway to successful rehabilitation and by enabling a real transformation of offenders we are also helping reduce re-offending in a meaningful and sustainable way.”
Reflecting on Prisons Week, Minister Long said: “Prisons Week is an opportunity to consider the needs of all those affected by prisons: prisoners and their families, victims of crime and their communities, those working in the criminal justice system and the many people who are involved in caring for those affected by crime on the inside and outside of our prisons. It is important we take time to reflect and look at how we can all work together, build capacity and encourage motivation to make a difference for people who are out of sight and often out of mind.”
The Minister also took the opportunity during prisons week to encourage those with an interest in the Justice system to consider a role with the Independent Monitoring Board.
Naomi Long said: “Independent Monitoring Board members provide a vital function in our prison system, monitoring the treatment of prisoners and the conditions of their imprisonment. Members are impartial observers of all aspects of the prison regime and have a real opportunity to make a tangible difference to people’s lives. I would encourage anyone with an interest in this area of work, who think they have the appropriate skills, to apply for this rewarding role.”
WATCH: Minister Long visits the Sycamore Tree Programme at Maghaberry Prison on our YouTube channel
Notes to editors:
- PHOTO CAPTIONS: Justice Minister Naomi Long visited Maghaberry Prison and the Sycamore Tree Project to mark the beginning of #PrisonsWeek. She is pictured with Tracy Megrath, Governor Maghaberry Prison, Robin Scott, Chief Executive Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland and Maria Watson, Director of Rehabilitation and Reducing Offending.
- Maghaberry is Northern Ireland’s only high security category A prison. It houses adult male sentenced and remand prisoners. The prison serves the courts in the whole of Northern Ireland and helps prisoners prepare for their release into the community.
- The Department of Justice is recruiting members to the Independent Monitoring Board. The IMB plays a crucial role in the independent oversight of prisons within Northern Ireland, with Members acting as impartial observers of all aspects of the prison regime. The closing dates for applications is 31st October 2024. Further information plus applications forms can be found at the publication section of this website.
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