During a recent visit to H.M.P. Dumfries, South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper had opportunity to learn more about how the prison and its Officers contribute to their own community, as well as the larger community beyond the prison’s confines.
Greeted by Andrew Mackinnon – Branch Chair of the Prison Officers Association Scotland and Catering Officer, Brian Alison – Partnership Liaison Officer and Residential Officer Ryan McCrindle, Ms Harper heard how Officers are awaiting details of the professionalization of their role via a work-based training diploma entitled ‘Shaping Our Future’.
Whilst touring the grounds, Emma visited the workshops where industry recognised awards can also be achieved by clients. The Cleaning Party can earn vocational training standards, while those working within the Catering Department can achieve industry recognised qualifications in catering through the SQA (Level 1 & Level 2).
The Recycling Party help achieve the prison’s Green Footprint by separating all the rubbish for recycling, making paper briquettes and kindling for pensioners in the community and Age Concern Winter Warmth. The Garden Party grows fresh produce for the Catering Department which encourages consumption of the recommended ‘five a day’, as well as helping to keep the kitchens with budget. The Joiner-work Party does a lot for the community with benches and swings for local schools and projects.
Commenting, Emma said:
“The prison community is exceptionally self sufficient, and functions much like its own small village. I was particularly impressed to see the ways that the prison supports itself and benefits the community.
I’m also pleased to see that prisoners are supported ahead of returning to the wider community by attending the life skills workshop where they can achieve basic knowledge of how to eat on a budget. There is also a programme which encourages those with an interest in the catering industry called Lets Cook, where clients are identified to participate in a programme which engages in learning kitchen to bar work to front of house.
I was very much struck by the professionalism and dedication of the staff, whose commitment to rehabilitating offenders is evident in every thing I saw during my visit. H.M.P. Dumfries certainly provides a valuable service both for offenders and for the wider community”
