'Listener Scheme' Launched For Young Offenders

A 'listener scheme' has been launched at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre (YOC) to provide inmates with a chance to voice concerns and receive help with prison life.

Four young offenders will help run the scheme, after having received their certificates of qualification from an intensive training course organised by the Samaritans.

Justice Minister David Ford said the inmates had demonstrated "great courage" and that they would be a "great asset" to the Hydebank community.

He said: "There are many lonely and vulnerable people in our prisons and having listeners on hand to provide comfort and support during difficult times is a source of great solace to the prison population. The support that prison listeners offer to their fellow prisoners goes deeper than any words and the YOC is all the richer for what these prisoners have volunteered to do. I trust they will find the experience both rewarding and sobering.

"We are all aware of the unstinting and selfless work of the Samaritans and the service they provide to the wider community but we may not be as aware of the service they provide within our prisons. They train prisoners all over the country so those people in prison can benefit from the same levels of support that those of us on 'the outside' can avail of. We have many, many reasons to be thankful to them."

Pamela James, Director of Belfast Samaritans, welcomed the new volunteers to the 'Samaritan family'.

She said: "The provision of a confidential, emotional support service is particularly relevant in a prison setting, where there is heightened possibility of people feeling depressed, vulnerable or suicidal. There are some 1,700 'listeners' operating in prisons throughout Britain and Ireland.

"To be a presence and a support for someone when they are feeling low is something very precious and I commend these young people who are giving of their time and making a truly positive contribution to the life of the YOC. I wish them well."

(IT/JP)