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15/10/2024
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."
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.
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."
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Revised Measures Approved To Protect NI Prison Service
Proposed plans by the Northern Ireland Prison Service to combat the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic over the Christmas period have been approved by Justice Minister Naomi Long. Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "Our primary focus in prisons during the pandemic has always been the safety of staff and those in the care of the Prison Service.
Revised Measures Approved To Protect NI Prison Service
Proposed plans by the Northern Ireland Prison Service to combat the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic over the Christmas period have been approved by Justice Minister Naomi Long. Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "Our primary focus in prisons during the pandemic has always been the safety of staff and those in the care of the Prison Service.
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A prisoner has died at Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim, the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) has confirmed. In a statement an NIPS spokesperson said: "The next of kin have been informed and the Prison Service has expressed their sympathy to the family. "The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman will conduct a full investigation into the death.
Second Prisoner Dies At Maghaberry Jail
A prisoner has died at Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim, the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) has confirmed. In a statement an NIPS spokesperson said: "The next of kin have been informed and the Prison Service has expressed their sympathy to the family. "The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman will conduct a full investigation into the death.
28 June 2011
Ford Announces Mistaken Release Of Another Prisoner
The Justice Minister David Ford has admitted another prisoner has been wrongfully released from Maghaberry prison, the fourth in eight months. Mr Ford revealed on Tuesday morning that George Damien MacFerran, 47, was released from custody on Friday, despite still having six weeks left to serve on his sentence for assault with an offensive weapon.
Ford Announces Mistaken Release Of Another Prisoner
The Justice Minister David Ford has admitted another prisoner has been wrongfully released from Maghaberry prison, the fourth in eight months. Mr Ford revealed on Tuesday morning that George Damien MacFerran, 47, was released from custody on Friday, despite still having six weeks left to serve on his sentence for assault with an offensive weapon.
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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.
