Jersey prison programme gets 'good feedback'

A programme aiming to cut the number of repeat offenders among those released from Jersey's prison is getting good feedback, managers say.

The scheme at La Moye targets behaviour that can lead again to crime, such as alcohol and substance misuse.

Psychologist Ruth Emsley, head of programmes and interventions, said it was giving prisoners confidence in themselves.

The scheme costs the States about £100,000-a-year.

'Find a hobby'

Ms Emsley said: "It's far too early to look at reconviction rates as we've only been running for a year, but the feedback is really, really positive."

Paul La Pavoux, a prisoner with three months left to serve, said: "It makes you think about having specific goals and aims, to maybe get into work, find a hobby, keep yourself busy, things like that.

"What I've heard from prisoners who've got out is that it's worked for them."

Another prisoner, Scott Williams, said: "It teaches you how to think before you act.

"I feel like I've grown from these courses [and] it taught me a lot of useful skills I can use on the outside."