Charity event to support prisoner rehabilitation

A prison sentence does not have to be the end of the story for offenders. Whilst custodial sentences should recognise the crimes committed and punish offenders accordingly, they must also offer a springboard for rehabilitation and future opportunity.

Independent charity, The Friends of Erlestoke Prison supports projects at the prison that positively contribute to rehabilitation. Rehabilitation whilst in custody is critical to break the cycle and reduce the risk of reoffending.

Projects the charity supports include drama classes, transportation for visitors to the prison, guest speakers, yoga, training courses and art therapy classes.

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner is proud to support their latest fundraising venture: "The charity does excellent and well-needed work to support offenders and their families move forward after a custodial sentence and prevent crimes from being committed in future.

"The 'Jailbreak' event is a great opportunity to test your team's assertiveness and blagging skills in getting as far as possible with minimal cash, whilst raising money for a great cause working to keep our communities safe."

The charity are currently fundraising for an all-weather sports pitch on the prison grounds for the benefit of prisoners and staff.

Sport has been proven to help reduce reoffending and at present there is no outdoor space where prisoners can properly exercise or participate on sporting activities at Erlestoke.  

Angela Hughes, chair of trustees said: "The projects that we support contribute to preparing prisoners for life after Erlestoke and help to ensure that key family relationships are maintained during custodial sentences. 

"So far we've been able to raise more than £120,000 from other fundraising events and generous donations and 'Jailbreak' is a really exciting event which will draw us closer to our target of £500k"

The event runs 13/14 July 2019.