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20/11/2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Both the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland and HM Inspector of Prisons in England and Wales have praised the facility, marking the first time a prison in Northern Ireland has achieved top marks.
Minister Long attributed the success to the hard work of the Prison Service and its partner agencies. She noted that the prison has undergone significant transformation in recent years, moving from a failing institution to a model of excellence.
Naomi Long said: "There is no doubt the exceptional work being done at Hydebank is transforming lives. Rehabilitation is working. Young men and women are choosing to turn their lives around through education and learning. Academic and practical skills in industry-focused subjects including catering and hospitality, barbering, horticulture and animal husbandry are helping them to find employment when they leave prison. Importantly also, re-offending rates are reducing, which again confirms these young men and women are turning away from a life of crime, making our communities a safer place to live."
Minister Long added: "I want to thank the inspection teams, led by Jacqui Durkin and Charlie Taylor, for their work. Their independence is key in ensuring our prisons are held to account.
"Many people coming into prisons do so with hugely complex issues, addiction and mental health problems. We, as a society, should never underestimate the challenges our prisons face on a daily basis, to support and challenge those people to change their behaviours.
"Of course, with any report there will be learning, and the inspectors have explained where we can further improve."
Director General of the NI Prison Service Beverley Wall said: "At its heart, prisons are about people – those who work there, and those who reside there. Our staff are among the most dedicated and professional people working in the public sector.
"That is not often recognised on the outside. I am hugely grateful to the Inspection teams for recognising the 'excellent quality' of relationships between prisoners and staff in both parts of Hydebank."
Hydebank Governor, Richard Taylor said: "This has truly been a team effort by everyone at Hydebank. In particular, the partnership with Belfast Met has been transformational since we became a secure College almost ten years ago.
"Inspectors have reported that over 90% of the people in custody are involved in education, skills and work. In the last year we can also say that more than 600 certificates of achievement have been presented. People leaving Hydebank are doing so with qualifications and skills which they can use to help them find employment."
Both the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland and HM Inspector of Prisons in England and Wales have praised the facility, marking the first time a prison in Northern Ireland has achieved top marks.
Minister Long attributed the success to the hard work of the Prison Service and its partner agencies. She noted that the prison has undergone significant transformation in recent years, moving from a failing institution to a model of excellence.
Naomi Long said: "There is no doubt the exceptional work being done at Hydebank is transforming lives. Rehabilitation is working. Young men and women are choosing to turn their lives around through education and learning. Academic and practical skills in industry-focused subjects including catering and hospitality, barbering, horticulture and animal husbandry are helping them to find employment when they leave prison. Importantly also, re-offending rates are reducing, which again confirms these young men and women are turning away from a life of crime, making our communities a safer place to live."
"Many people coming into prisons do so with hugely complex issues, addiction and mental health problems. We, as a society, should never underestimate the challenges our prisons face on a daily basis, to support and challenge those people to change their behaviours.
"Of course, with any report there will be learning, and the inspectors have explained where we can further improve."
Director General of the NI Prison Service Beverley Wall said: "At its heart, prisons are about people – those who work there, and those who reside there. Our staff are among the most dedicated and professional people working in the public sector.
"That is not often recognised on the outside. I am hugely grateful to the Inspection teams for recognising the 'excellent quality' of relationships between prisoners and staff in both parts of Hydebank."
Hydebank Governor, Richard Taylor said: "This has truly been a team effort by everyone at Hydebank. In particular, the partnership with Belfast Met has been transformational since we became a secure College almost ten years ago.
"Inspectors have reported that over 90% of the people in custody are involved in education, skills and work. In the last year we can also say that more than 600 certificates of achievement have been presented. People leaving Hydebank are doing so with qualifications and skills which they can use to help them find employment."
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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.
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.
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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.
