Foreign prisoners make Christmas cards

CHRISTMAS cards made by inmates at Huntercombe prison are being sold by businesses in Henley.

The cards are available in Hot Gossip, Gorvett & Stone and Hotel du Vin in an effort to help rehabilitate the foreign prisoners by working with local businesses and contributing to society.

The cards are made with recycled materials and the proceeds will go towards buying new sewing equipment for the prison near Nuffield.

The men have also made bobble hats, wash bags and tote bags using scraps of material from the textile shop at the prison which produces uniforms.

This is part of the social enterprise workshops, where inmates are taught creative skills.

About 15 men take part in the textiles section, which has a sewing machine and an embroidery machine.

Patrizia Victor, a volunteer teacher at the prison, says this has helped the men increase their confidence and learn more about professional environments.

She said: “Some of the men who join the workshop have never seen a sewing machine. At first, they don’t feel confident in their abilities but then they learn and they feel so proud when they have a completed product in their hands that they created.

“It is a very professional environment. I also teach them to understand what it is like in a working environment as some of them may not have worked before. I feel a connection with them as individuals rather than a body of prisoners.

“A couple have even told me that they want to get their own workshops when they get out of prison and continue sewing.”

Ayodeji, a prisoner, said: “It is good to keep busy by learning new things. I like making the cards best.

“When Patrizia told us that people on the outside were appreciating our work, I thought, ‘Oh wow, that is so great’.

“I have also embroidered a nice hat. I have learned so much.”

Fellow inmate Arras said: “It is nice to learn something new. I hadn’t sewn before and now I could patch up my jeans. I love making everything, especially the cards. It is satisfying to know I have made it by myself.

“I already have plans for when I get out about what work I want to do.”

Ms Victor, who lives in Henley, would like to partner with local businesses by getting the inmates to produce their goods.

She said: “I want to find someone interested in working with us, whether we make bags for them or other goods.

“The men get a wage from the prison anyway, so any money would go back into the prison and improving resources in the department.”

For more information, email gaolcraft.huntercombe@justice.gov.uk