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In a new initiative which is a first of its kind in Northern Ireland people currently supervised by probation are returning to custody to help prepare prisoners for release.
A group of service users supervised by probation who are also members of PBNI service user forum returned this week to Magilligan Prison. They met with prisoners who are preparing for release from custody. The service users were able to provide firsthand guidance and information based on their own experience of leaving custody and returning to the community.
The best way of being prepared for life outside prison is to hear directly from people who have experienced release and successfully reintegrated back into the community.
- Gillian Montgomery, Director of Operations
Director of Operations Gillian Montgomery who accompanied the service users said: “We know that the weeks after being released from prison is a critical time in ensuring people do not go on to re-offend. Research shows that a significant proportion of prisoners released from custody are recalled to prison in the first few weeks of release due to their behaviours, which increase the risk of re-offending. They may have a range of practical problems including, for example, accessing health services and suitable accommodation. Some may fail to comply with supervision or re-offend in the community. This initiative therefore aims to provide some practical support for men who are preparing for release. The best way of being prepared for life outside prison is to hear directly from people who have experienced release and successfully reintegrated back into the community.”
Billy who has been on Probation supervision for a number of years said: “It’s really important that people think about the practical aspects of leaving prison and for example make sure that you get registered with a GP and have a back account set up. It can take time to build up trust again with family and friends because they will remember what you did that caused you to end up inside, and you need to show them by your actions that you have changed. We told the men we met in Magilligan about some of the things that helped us including keeping busy with a job and volunteering and working to build up a good relationship with your Probation Officer.”
Gary Milling, Governor of Magilligan Prison, said: “Rehabilitation and resettlement is at the very heart of the work of the Northern Ireland Prison Service. Some prisoners will be with us for a short period, others for much longer, but all of those in our care our supported on a journey that will eventually take them back into their community.
Resettlement through rehabilitation, helping prisoners become healthier, fitter, better educated and having addressed addictions – benefits everyone in society.This isn’t something we do alone. It requires a partnership approach, but ultimately, we are all working with the aim of reducing re-offending and making our community safer.”