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13/10/2014
NI Prisoners Benefit From Pet Therapy
Vulnerable prisoners in Northern Ireland are benefiting from a new style of therapy involving working with pets.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service has introduced two Labrador dogs and a number of hens at Hydebank Wood to help prisoners who have underlying mental health issues.
NIPS Director General Sue McAllister said: "While there is a well-known and accepted benefit to pet ownership, the therapeutic benefits are less well-known. The re-homed Labradors and two of our dog handlers have taught prisoners how to look after the dogs. This includes obedience training, exercising and agility work. Looking after the dogs has had a very positive effect on prisoners.
"But we have not stopped there. Hydebank Wood also has a number of rescued battery hens. And managing and caring for those also has therapeutic benefits, plus they also provide fresh free range eggs. We have found a positive change in the behaviours of the women prisoners involved, which is not only good for their health and well-being, but it is also good for our staff and ultimately the wider community."
David Babington from Action Mental Health said: "In partnership with the Prison Service, a suite of 26 OCN Personal Wellbeing programmes were introduced to Hydebank and Maghaberry Prison by Action Mental Health. This was made possible by the ‘Together for You’ Project, launched Oct 2013, funded by the Big Lottery. The Mental Health Team and Prison staff are reporting improved prisoner behaviour and emotional wellbeing, and we are delighted with the range of programmes offered enabling prisoners to make informed choices and develop wider skills."
(IT)
The Northern Ireland Prison Service has introduced two Labrador dogs and a number of hens at Hydebank Wood to help prisoners who have underlying mental health issues.
NIPS Director General Sue McAllister said: "While there is a well-known and accepted benefit to pet ownership, the therapeutic benefits are less well-known. The re-homed Labradors and two of our dog handlers have taught prisoners how to look after the dogs. This includes obedience training, exercising and agility work. Looking after the dogs has had a very positive effect on prisoners.
"But we have not stopped there. Hydebank Wood also has a number of rescued battery hens. And managing and caring for those also has therapeutic benefits, plus they also provide fresh free range eggs. We have found a positive change in the behaviours of the women prisoners involved, which is not only good for their health and well-being, but it is also good for our staff and ultimately the wider community."
David Babington from Action Mental Health said: "In partnership with the Prison Service, a suite of 26 OCN Personal Wellbeing programmes were introduced to Hydebank and Maghaberry Prison by Action Mental Health. This was made possible by the ‘Together for You’ Project, launched Oct 2013, funded by the Big Lottery. The Mental Health Team and Prison staff are reporting improved prisoner behaviour and emotional wellbeing, and we are delighted with the range of programmes offered enabling prisoners to make informed choices and develop wider skills."
(IT)
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