The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

DIY chain helps prisoners learn useful new skills

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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.”

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