16/12/2021
Prison Service Supports Annual Christmas Hope Appeal
The Northern Ireland Prison Service and Probation Board NI has given its support to the Prison Fellowship NI's annual Christmas Hope appeal.
Held annually by the Prison Fellowship, the Christmas Hope appeal provides much-needed help for the families and children of those in prison, with hampers and toys for prisoners' families at a time when they can feel most alone and forgotten.
Last year the Prison Fellowship provided almost 500 toy parcels for children across Northern Ireland, and with the help of both NIPS and PBNI, this year's appeal response has been ever bigger.
Receiving the welcome donation, Robin Scott, Chief Executive of the Prison Fellowship NI said: "The practical support received from NI Prison Service and Probation Board staff will make a real difference to the families that we support through Christmas Hope.
"And while the immediate benefit will be a hamper and toys for children delivered before Christmas, our experience shows that many families struggle throughout the year; with limited support, fear, stigma and isolation being the reality for many. These gifts build trust and confidence for families and they know that Prison Fellowship are genuinely interested in offering ongoing support despite the crime or crimes committed."
Making the Prison Service's donation, Director General, Ronnie Armour said: "We are genuinely honoured to be able to support such a worthy cause, and to pass on the many donations which have come from staff right across the Prison Service.
"We are acutely aware of the impact that imprisonment has on families, and this is just one more way our staff show their commitment to supporting the wider community." he added.
Commenting on the generosity of Probation Board for Northern Ireland staff, PBNI Chief Executive Amanda Stewart said: "Each year the Senior leadership team in PBNI make the ask to our staff to help those less fortunate than themselves at Christmas.
"The people we work with, and their families are some of the most marginalised in society. Many children and families are facing a tough Winter. I hope this contribution will help those in hardship and make Christmas a little brighter."
Held annually by the Prison Fellowship, the Christmas Hope appeal provides much-needed help for the families and children of those in prison, with hampers and toys for prisoners' families at a time when they can feel most alone and forgotten.
Last year the Prison Fellowship provided almost 500 toy parcels for children across Northern Ireland, and with the help of both NIPS and PBNI, this year's appeal response has been ever bigger.
Receiving the welcome donation, Robin Scott, Chief Executive of the Prison Fellowship NI said: "The practical support received from NI Prison Service and Probation Board staff will make a real difference to the families that we support through Christmas Hope.
"And while the immediate benefit will be a hamper and toys for children delivered before Christmas, our experience shows that many families struggle throughout the year; with limited support, fear, stigma and isolation being the reality for many. These gifts build trust and confidence for families and they know that Prison Fellowship are genuinely interested in offering ongoing support despite the crime or crimes committed."
Making the Prison Service's donation, Director General, Ronnie Armour said: "We are genuinely honoured to be able to support such a worthy cause, and to pass on the many donations which have come from staff right across the Prison Service.
"We are acutely aware of the impact that imprisonment has on families, and this is just one more way our staff show their commitment to supporting the wider community." he added.
Commenting on the generosity of Probation Board for Northern Ireland staff, PBNI Chief Executive Amanda Stewart said: "Each year the Senior leadership team in PBNI make the ask to our staff to help those less fortunate than themselves at Christmas.
"The people we work with, and their families are some of the most marginalised in society. Many children and families are facing a tough Winter. I hope this contribution will help those in hardship and make Christmas a little brighter."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 November 2021
Justice Minister Attends NIPS Memorial Service
Justice Minister Naomi Long has attended the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) Annual Memorial Service to remember officers who lost their lives in the course of duty. Minister Long said: "The annual Memorial Service is an important occasion for everyone associated with the Prison Service.
Justice Minister Attends NIPS Memorial Service
Justice Minister Naomi Long has attended the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) Annual Memorial Service to remember officers who lost their lives in the course of duty. Minister Long said: "The annual Memorial Service is an important occasion for everyone associated with the Prison Service.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.