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Role of prison officers highlighted as unique prize benefits charity

Friday, 26 January 2018

Prison experience day - guests and officers

A group has had a taste of life behind bars at Isle of Man Prison during a day-long event which helped raise funds for Manx Cancer Help (MCH). 

A prison experience day offered to the charity by the Prison and Probation Service was snapped up at the charity’s autumn ball last year for a generous donation. 

Prison staff gave up their free time to host an action-packed day, which included a full tour of the prison and short period of lock-up, along with a chance to sample prison food.    

Prize winners Tim and Sally Eve were joined by their friend Helen Quinn and Dawn Herbert from MCH. They learned how the reception process works, received a prisoner’s induction talk and were given an overview of facilities in the rehabilitation and sports departments. 

The visit’s dual aims were to raise funds for MCH and to increase awareness of the work of the Prison and Probation Service, whose vision is ‘to protect the public and reduce re-offending by enabling offenders to reform their lives’

Special thanks go to all staff that helped on the day, particularly Senior Officer Mike Pacey, Principal Officer Martin Phillips and PE Instructor Andy Morrison. 

Minister for Home Affairs Bill Malarkey MHK said:

‘The day was an opportunity to show the professionalism of prison officers as a workforce, and to demonstrate the varied, specialist careers available within the Island’s Prison and Probation Service’.  

He added:

‘Prison staff are keen to make a contribution to the community by supporting local charities year-round. Our officers have helped give a worthwhile local charity a real boost with this event, raising funds and awareness of their work.’  

Andrea Chambers from MCH said:

‘We’re delighted the prison offered an experience day for our charity ball for the second year. It not only gives us a really unusual auction prize but raises the profile of the important work the team there carry out on a daily basis. 

‘It is an often overlooked but important area of public service and the fact the officers gave up their own time really brings home their dedication to their roles and their much-valued support of the work we do.’ 

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