PRISONERS at the Isle of Man Prison have won awards for their artwork, poetry and handicrafts.
The work won a number of prizes in the annual Koestler Awards including a "gold" award.
The UK charity's director of arts, Fiona Curran, recently visited the Isle of Man to present certificates and offer feedback to some of the participants.
She explained that the competition – for offenders, secure patients and detainees throughout the British Isles – attracts more than 5,000 entries each year, many of a very high standard.
Fiona said: "The awards inspire offenders to take part in the arts, work for achievement and transform their lives.
"The Isle of Man submitted some very strong entries, so it was good to have the opportunity to visit Jurby and congratulate the staff and prisoners involved."
A media release from the Department of Home Affairs said participation in the arts is a key element of the Isle of Man Prison Service education programme which in turn supports the rehabilitation of prisoners.
Prison education manager Judy Jackson said: "We encourage our residents to take part in creative activities as it helps to build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of value that may sometimes be lacking.
"We have been enthusiastic supporters of the Koestler Awards for many years, so it was a pleasure to welcome Fiona here to present the certificates."
Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the prison service Bill Malarkey MHK added: "Winning awards and receiving feedback from the Koestler Trust is important as this kind of recognition gives powerful encouragement to offenders to find positive new directions in life.
"Inspiring a change in behaviour can only help towards our aims of reducing crime and enhancing community safety."
Some of the Koestler award-winning artwork will be on public display at the Isle of Man College from April 7 to 15.
The picture shows Fiona Curran, director of arts at the Koestler Trust with, left to right, Val Lace, prison assistant education manager, Alan Ferguson, independent monitoring board, Nigel Fisher, deputy prison governor, Father Brian O’Mahony, prison chaplain, Judy Jackson, prison education manager, Mike Speers, principal officer regimes, John Bass, probation officer
What do you think? Do you think it is right prisoners should be able to win awards and have their work displayed in exhibitions while serving prison sentences? Do you think taking part in such projects helps to rehabilitate offenders? Let us know your views by sending us a comment in the box below.
