Weekly meeting

The Rotary members enjoyed a talk by Angela Hughes.  Angela is one of the founder members of the Friends Of Erlestoke Prison group. 

The talk focussed on the aims and objectives of the friends rather than the day to day running of the prison.  It was an illuminating talk which opened eyes, minds and provoked some interesting discussion about atitudes to prisons and also to the prisoners.  Angela was an inspiring speaker, obviously concientious about an important and sometimes overlooked aspect of the prison and reform system.

The Friends of Erlestoke Prison helps to support offenders with the challenges of resettlement and rehabilitation. They fund projects which:

• Prepare men for release

• Help offenders face up to the impact of their crimes

• Help offenders develop skills which will help them to find employment

• Bring fathers closer to their families, especially those with children

• Raise local awareness about the work of the prison

Their current initiatives include yoga classes, drama workshops, art therapy sessions, origami classes and our well-established transport scheme for prisoners' families and friends on visit days. We are also raising funds to build an all-weather sports pitch in the grounds of the prison.

https://www.friendsoferlestokeprison.com