Inspired by the success of Books in the Nick, Give a Book has recently launched a pilot in three prisons for a new project –Books for First Nighters.
Providing books for those on their first night in custody, the aim of the project is to offer some comfort, mental release to the new arrivals and also hopefully facilitate the relationship between staff and inmates. We are delighted to report that the response so far has been very encouraging:
“… staff have taken on board the ethos behind the charity and it has provided a beneficial opportunity to help them keep inmates safe during this stressful time. This has also proven to be an excellent example of restorative practice where not only is there the generous and humane act of giving a book to an individual, but they are being given ownership and responsibility. In fact the inmates have appreciated this service so much that the majority of books are being voluntarily returned to the committal landing staff in perfect condition so that others can also benefit from this scheme on offer.
I can confirm that to date over 40 new committals have availed of the books which were donated by the ‘Give A Book’ charity, with many positive comments being made:
‘amazing this has helped to keep my mind off jail on my first night in here’
I can confirm that to date over 40 new committals have availed of the books which were donated by the ‘Give A Book’ charity, with many positive comments being made:
‘amazing this has helped to keep my mind off jail on my first night in here’
‘I haven’t read a book in years and really enjoyed it’”
Unit Manager, HMP Maghaberry