Support Essential For Prison Staff And Communities

Justice Minister Naomi Long has emphasised the critical importance of addressing the spiritual, emotional, social, and practical needs of prison staff, those in custody, their families, victims of crime, and their communities.

Minister Long visited Maghaberry Prison and the Sycamore Tree Programme to mark the start of the annual Prisons Week. The Sycamore Tree Programme, run by Prison Fellowship, is a volunteer-led initiative that focuses on restorative justice, addressing the impact of crime on victims, and promoting positive behavioural change.

The program teaches principles of forgiveness and reconciliation, aiming to create a more constructive and compassionate environment for all involved. Minister Long's visit highlighted the significance of such programs in supporting individuals affected by the criminal justice system and fostering a culture of healing and understanding.

Minister 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."