Prison volunteers help to give inmates the chance to rehabilitate themselves.
Gore Prison Fellowship is an interdenominational, faith-based Christian organisation with more than 20 members who volunteer their time at Invercargill Prison and the Otago Corrections Facility near Milton.
Fellowship member and Mataura resident Matthew Lucassen knows from his experience with the group the hardships many prisoners face, especially upon release.
‘‘Many don't have the stamina or determination to break out of the prison cycle alone. We are a group that have time and compassion to give those who have often received very little in their lives. Many of us have experienced the tougher side of life, and know how easy it is to slip.
‘‘We have a good volunteer base that provides along with these things, presents for the families of prisoners at Christmas time, outside contact through teams of letter writers, and support for released prisoners. We feel that these deeds really can count in breaking the cycle and hopefully, in turn, the number of re-offenders,'' he said.
Linda McMillan, a group member who is a semi-retired caregiver, considers what she gains from donating her time to the prisoners as far more valuable than what she would receive by spending it elsewhere.
‘‘It is very rewarding. Being a good listener is key. I've heard all sorts of language and seen every shade of tough, hard and staunch man. But sometimes all you need to do is listen and, after a while, the barriers come down. Some of these guys are carrying a horrific amount of weight and tension and troubles around with them, and to have someone just listen to the story of their lives is huge. Letting them know they are not alone, letting them speak and reaching out to them can provide an enormous relief. They are often amazed and sometimes just can't comprehend someone is there just to listen,'' she said.
Prison Fellowship also focuses on victim support, facilitating victimoffender meetings that help victims express the impact of offending on their lives. These meetings can enable restoration to happen by letting victims know that offenders are not only being punished for their crimes, but are taking responsibility for their actions.
Gore Prison Fellowship relies largely on its own fundraising efforts and the volunteers acknowledge the support of Gore's farming community in providing grazing for beef cattle that the fellowship raises to sell to raise funds.
The fellowship is discreet about its Christian philosophy.
‘‘We are not there to push religion. We do our deeds and let them speak to us as Christians,'' Mr Lucassen said.
Invercargill Prison manager Stu Davie acknowledges the importance prison volunteers play in providing positive input to those behind bars.
‘‘Volunteers make a real contribution in offering prisoners mentoring and new skills. They often provide a support network for prisoners upon their release into the community,'' he said.
There are 60 approved volunteers at Invercargill Prison, with more going through the volunteer approval process at present. Figures for the number of volunteers at the Otago Corrections Facility were not available in time for publication.
