Prisoner rehabilitation charities receive £25k grant from foundation

Saturday 25 November 2017

Two CI charities supporting the rehabilitation of local prisoners have collectively received over £25,000 in grants from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands.

The Prisoner’s Education Trust (PET) received £15,300 while Creative Learning in Prison (CLIP) received £10,000.

PET provides distance learning courses that would otherwise not be accessible to prisoners, as well as advice and support on the courses. The Lloyds Foundation grant will provide funding for around 36 prisoners from both La Moye in Jersey and Les Nicolles in Guernsey to help then improve their employability upon release. 

Commenting on the success of distance learning for PET, Rod Clark, Chief Executive said: “It’s something that has proven to be successful within prison environments as it allows those who can’t attend classes to still receive an education. Thanks to the grant from the Foundation, we are able to offer a wide range of vocational and academic courses for Channel Islands prisoners which enables them to use their sentences constructively and broaden their horizons.”

CLIP also acts to help a prisoner’s access to learning through a close relationship with the Guernsey Prison Governor, by implementing a creative learning process in recognised art, craft and trade skills. The Foundation grant for CLIP will cover the cost of machinery for a new workshop where prisoners will be able to undertake all required elements for a City & Guilds certificate in basic carpentry. The money will also contribute towards the construction of a wooden showroom and shop for the general public to purchase products made in the workshop. The shop will be open to the public starting in December.

Commenting on the funding, Jo Le Poidevin, Executive Director, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to support the successful rehabilitation of local prisoners at La Moye and Les Nicolles through these two grants. The work these charities do is offering the opportunity to gain new skills, experiences and qualifications which will improve their chances of finding employment and re-settling back into the community.”