The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
DIY chain helps prisoners learn useful new skills
SCOTS PRISONERS are being given the chance to learn DIY skills through a link- up with home improvement firm B&Q.
Prison off icers from HMP Perth and HMP Glenochil have been given training, which they are then passing on to inmates.
It is hoped that the initiative, which grew out of Glenochil’s You Can Do It workshops, will improve their job chances and help them find accommodation.
The sessions will include lessons on tiling.
Perth governor Mike Inglis said: “The training was an excellent opportunity to allow us to enhance the range of purposeful activity we can offer in HMP Perth. It will develop the life skills and selfesteem of those in our care by increasing their chances of employability.
“The training should also enable offenders to demonstrate to potential housing providers that they have the ability to maintain properties.”
Nigel Ironside, governor at HMP Glenochil, in Clackmannanshire, added: “We would like to thank B&Q for providing a staff member to help train our staff.
“This is a useful skill for prisoners to possess for home improvements and augments the painting and decorating course they are undertaking.”