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11/04/2023
NI Prison Officer Wins Prestigious Butler Trust Award
Northern Ireland Prison Officer, Richard Graham, has been awarded the Butler Trust Award in recognition of his rehabilitation work with young men.
The 58-year-old was earlier this week presented the prestigious award by HRH The Princess Royal at the annual ceremony in St James Palace to honour people working in prisons, probation and youth justice settings.
"I'm humbled and a bit overwhelmed by it all," declared Richard, who was joined at the royal occasion by partner Claire, Northern Ireland Prison Service Director General Ronnie Armour, Hydebank Wood College Governor Richard Taylor and Deputy Governor Mark Holmes.
For more than 30-years, Mr Graham has been a Prison Officer and today serves at Hydebank Wood College, where 18-21 year-old young offenders are encouraged to address their offending behaviour through vocational training, mentoring and support programmes.
"It's a career I chose a long time ago," explained Richard. "But since 2006 when I was appointed to the post of instructor in the male gardens, it's been a labour of love. My background's in farming and I've always had an interest in horticulture, so when I was able to combine them in a working environment, it just became a dream job."
Today, Ricky - as his prison service colleagues and young inmates refer to him - manages the impressive and award-winning animal husbandry and horticulture project at the Hydebank facility.
"Gardening is a life skill and the self-esteem and sense of achievement can be very evident. We're producing 12-13-thousand bedding plants every year now, which we use to make hanging baskets, pots and window baskets. We gift many of these to charities and some are sold. We're also nurturing three wildflower gardens which we've sown out around Hydebank," he added.
But being also a part-time sheep farmer, it's the animal husbandry Ricky speaks passionately about.
"We've two goats and over 20 sheep at Hydebank now, including new lambs born in the last few weeks, plus there's also two therapy dogs and four bee hives with more than 40,000 bees. We've also had hens and donkeys at a time."
Ricky continued: "Many of the young men - and females – sent to Hydebank are violent, aggressive and suffering addiction issues. They can be vulnerable, lonely and self-harming. But through horticulture and animal husbandry I'm challenging each one and encouraging self-improvement.
"When they get involved in the project they quickly realise they have responsibility for the animals seven days a-week. Their work involves everything from birthing lambs, weaning into self-feeding, shearing or even preparing them for agricultural shows across the province."
Of course it's no surprise all their efforts have been widely recognised with the Hydebank sheep winning first prizes at Balmoral, Ballymena and Castlewellan shows, as well as Championships in Saintfield and Lurgan.
"I've lost count the number of young men and young women who have come through the project and transformed their lives," adds Ricky.
"I see so many improve their well-being, change and create a richer and fuller life for themselves. It's been quite a journey, but I have been supported throughout by Prison Service, especially Governor Taylor, senior officers Michelle McElnea and Adele Nevin."
Hydebank Wood College Governor Richard Taylor said: "For decades Ricky has been working with and developing young men through horticulture and animal husbandry. He changes lives one at a time.
"Ricky treats all the young men with respect and dignity. He continually challenges them to change, build confidence and self-esteem. And, without knowing it, they learn new life skills which they can take with them back into the community."
The 58-year-old was earlier this week presented the prestigious award by HRH The Princess Royal at the annual ceremony in St James Palace to honour people working in prisons, probation and youth justice settings.
"I'm humbled and a bit overwhelmed by it all," declared Richard, who was joined at the royal occasion by partner Claire, Northern Ireland Prison Service Director General Ronnie Armour, Hydebank Wood College Governor Richard Taylor and Deputy Governor Mark Holmes.
For more than 30-years, Mr Graham has been a Prison Officer and today serves at Hydebank Wood College, where 18-21 year-old young offenders are encouraged to address their offending behaviour through vocational training, mentoring and support programmes.
"It's a career I chose a long time ago," explained Richard. "But since 2006 when I was appointed to the post of instructor in the male gardens, it's been a labour of love. My background's in farming and I've always had an interest in horticulture, so when I was able to combine them in a working environment, it just became a dream job."
Today, Ricky - as his prison service colleagues and young inmates refer to him - manages the impressive and award-winning animal husbandry and horticulture project at the Hydebank facility.
"Gardening is a life skill and the self-esteem and sense of achievement can be very evident. We're producing 12-13-thousand bedding plants every year now, which we use to make hanging baskets, pots and window baskets. We gift many of these to charities and some are sold. We're also nurturing three wildflower gardens which we've sown out around Hydebank," he added.
But being also a part-time sheep farmer, it's the animal husbandry Ricky speaks passionately about.
"We've two goats and over 20 sheep at Hydebank now, including new lambs born in the last few weeks, plus there's also two therapy dogs and four bee hives with more than 40,000 bees. We've also had hens and donkeys at a time."
Ricky continued: "Many of the young men - and females – sent to Hydebank are violent, aggressive and suffering addiction issues. They can be vulnerable, lonely and self-harming. But through horticulture and animal husbandry I'm challenging each one and encouraging self-improvement.
"When they get involved in the project they quickly realise they have responsibility for the animals seven days a-week. Their work involves everything from birthing lambs, weaning into self-feeding, shearing or even preparing them for agricultural shows across the province."
Of course it's no surprise all their efforts have been widely recognised with the Hydebank sheep winning first prizes at Balmoral, Ballymena and Castlewellan shows, as well as Championships in Saintfield and Lurgan.
"I've lost count the number of young men and young women who have come through the project and transformed their lives," adds Ricky.
"I see so many improve their well-being, change and create a richer and fuller life for themselves. It's been quite a journey, but I have been supported throughout by Prison Service, especially Governor Taylor, senior officers Michelle McElnea and Adele Nevin."
Hydebank Wood College Governor Richard Taylor said: "For decades Ricky has been working with and developing young men through horticulture and animal husbandry. He changes lives one at a time.
"Ricky treats all the young men with respect and dignity. He continually challenges them to change, build confidence and self-esteem. And, without knowing it, they learn new life skills which they can take with them back into the community."
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26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
27 October 2016
More Work Needed To Tackle Mental Health At Young Offenders Centre
More work is needed to tackle mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependency at Hydebank Wood College, a young offenders centre, according to the latest inspection.
More Work Needed To Tackle Mental Health At Young Offenders Centre
More work is needed to tackle mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependency at Hydebank Wood College, a young offenders centre, according to the latest inspection.
13 April 2015
New College For Young Offenders Opens
A new college for young offenders at Hydebank Wood in south Belfast has opened. The Northern Ireland Prison Service opened the college for 18-21 year old young men, which will address their offending behaviour through education, vocational training, mentoring and support programmes.
New College For Young Offenders Opens
A new college for young offenders at Hydebank Wood in south Belfast has opened. The Northern Ireland Prison Service opened the college for 18-21 year old young men, which will address their offending behaviour through education, vocational training, mentoring and support programmes.
05 August 2010
'Support' Call Follows Hydebank Death
The death of a 19-year-old man in custody at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre has highlighted calls for change. Allyn Baxter, who was being held on remand, had tried to take his own life on Saturday night and was taken to hospital, but died on Wednesday afternoon.
'Support' Call Follows Hydebank Death
The death of a 19-year-old man in custody at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre has highlighted calls for change. Allyn Baxter, who was being held on remand, had tried to take his own life on Saturday night and was taken to hospital, but died on Wednesday afternoon.
10 July 2008
Kelly Challenge Over Youth Custody Report
NI Stormont Junior Minister, Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly is seeking an urgent meeting with the author of a damning report in to youthg custody facilities in NI. He wants to speak to the Criminal Justice Inspector, Kit Chivers to discuss his new report into Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre.
Kelly Challenge Over Youth Custody Report
NI Stormont Junior Minister, Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly is seeking an urgent meeting with the author of a damning report in to youthg custody facilities in NI. He wants to speak to the Criminal Justice Inspector, Kit Chivers to discuss his new report into Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
