NEW FAMILY VISITORS’ CENTRE AT WORMWOOD SCRUBS TO HELP CUT CRIME IN THE CAPITAL
Prison staff, families and locals came together today to mark the start of a project to build a new family visitors’ centre at one of London’s most famous prisons, Wormwood Scrubs in West London.
pact's brand new state-of-the-art visitors’ centre is being built to provide help and support for the children and families who visit loved ones serving sentences in Wormwood Scrubs.
To mark this event, Nick Pascoe, Custodial Manager for London Prisons, buried a time capsule bursting with contributions from families, prison staff and prisoners, including artwork by prisoners; a painting by Tiffany aged 9 who visits a relative in Wormwood Scrubs; a poem by a prisoner addressed to his son; and a DVD of the recent ITV documentary about the prison.
The new centre is being developed by the Tudor Trust, an independent grant-making trust that supports organisations working across the UK in their work to help those with social, emotional and financial needs, in partnership with the Family Centre Trust, pact and the Prison Service. It is being constructed by Osborne
pact's workers currently support the prisoners' families out of a cramped portakabin in the prison grounds, and are eagerly looking forward to the new centre, which is scheduled for completion in June 2011.
pact's Director, Andy Keen-Downs, said: “Keeping families together during a prison sentence is proven to be one of the most effective ways in which we can cut crime in London. Figures from the Ministry of Justice show that prisoners who don’t receive visits from family members or partners are nearly 40% more likely to commit crimes after being released."
"Thanks to the gift of over £1 million from the Tudor Trust, and the support of the Prison Service, the brand new family and visitors’ centre outside Wormwood Scrubs will not only make it easier for prisoners to maintain contact with their children and families, but will also provide a base for mentoring and other community support for ex-offenders."
Paul Ensch, Director of Osborne’s Homes Sector, said: "This will be an important facility helping those at Wormwood Scrubs keep in touch with their loved ones in a modern, family-friendly environment. We are proud to be involved in delivering it."
The construction incorporates Innovaré SIPS panels as well as a building management system and rainwater harvesting to increase sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
Media queries: Stephen Nash, 020 7735 9535, Email: stephen (dot) nash (at) prisonadvice (dot) org (dot) uk