18 December 2014

Christmas Day in Prison

Christmas Day in prison this year will involve swapping the main meal of the day, so that dinner will be served at lunchtime, leaving the evening meal to be sandwiches. This is standard practice for this day.

National Commissioner Jeremy Lightfoot says the day will be marked appropriately, however, will not be extravagant.

“It will be a day of routine and reflection with many of the normal activities taking place. For many prisoners, it will be a day spent thinking of friends and families in different parts of the country.

“A number of charities, such as Pillars and Prison Fellowship, are helping the families of prisoners to ensure that they do not go without as we recognise that this time can be difficult for prisoners’ friends and families,” says Mr Lightfoot. “We’re committed to doing all we can to make this day easier for the children of prisoners.

“There are no visits on Christmas Day, however, some units are having extra family days with food prepared by the prisoners with some staff and members of the public donating food and presents to the families. A large number of prisoners are using arts and crafts learnt in prison to make presents for families and friends.

“The increased number of AVL suites around the country mean prisoners far away from their families can enjoy virtual visits over the holiday period. Some prisoners, especially female prisoners, can be located a fair distance from their families.

“We know that maintaining family ties and support networks is vital in helping with rehabilitation and reintegration so it’s important they are able to keep in touch. A virtual visit is much more meaningful than a phone call,” says Mr Lightfoot.

The prisoners will prepare approximately 8,600 meals of roast chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, carrots, green peas, two slices of bread, and an apple pie.

“The Christmas Day meal is in line with recommended nutrition guidelines from the Ministry of Health,” says Mr Lightfoot.

As with any other day, a vegetarian option will be available and special dietary requirements will be catered for. A similar meal will be available at Mt Eden Corrections Facility, operated by private prison operator Serco.

Preparing the meal allows the prisoners to not only actively participate in the day but also to learn skills that will assist them outside of prison. Many prisoners who work in the kitchens are achieving national qualifications in hospitality and catering.

“We know that people who are able to find stable employment are less likely to re-offend and can go on to be productive, contributing members of society.

“Every opportunity is used to help these men and women gain skills to give them a better chance to reintegrate into their communities on release.”

For further information from Prison Fellowship please visit: www.pfnznewsblog.org
For further information from Pillars please visit: www.pillars.org.nz

ENDS

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