Work carried out at the prison is helping the Isle of Man to gain positive recognition as part of an international project aimed at safeguarding the environment.
Morsbags, reusable shopping bags made from recycled material, are distributed free to encourage people to stop using plastic carrier bags, which are prolific killers of marine wildlife.
Manx charity Zero Waste Mann is celebrating the fact that 4,445 morsbags have now been created in the Isle of Man, the vast majority by prisoners at Jurby. That ranks the Island in sixth position in a league table of 1,298 active morsbag ‘pods’ throughout the British Isles http://www.morsbags.com/
Muriel Garland, Chair of Zero Waste Mann, recently took delivery of the latest batch of 140 morsbags made at the prison.
She said: ‘The quality of the workmanship is always first class and as usual the bags were neatly ironed and well presented. Some of the bags will go to Crossroads Care charity shop on Prospect Terrace in Douglas where suitable old duvet covers and curtain materials are kept aside for the prison. The rest will be distributed through the Green Centre in Chester Street during the month of June.’
Muriel added: ‘I would encourage people in the Island to start using morsbags instead of the plastic variety. It is a small lifestyle change, but can have a significant impact on the environment.’
The creation of morsbags is part of a focus on identifying work that keeps prisoners occupied in a meaningful way while also supporting local organisations. Jobs for prisoners in the kitchens, laundry or gardens are supplemented wherever practical by suitable work provided in conjunction with community partners.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘Providing a range of constructive activities plays an important role in maintaining discipline and safety in prison, as well as contributing towards the overall rehabilitation of offenders. It also supports the Department’s wider commitment to combating crime in the Isle of Man and reducing the associated social and economic costs.’
Bob McColm, Head of the Isle of Man Prison and Probation Service, added: ‘The partnership with Zero Waste Mann continues to be a big success. The prisoner currently involved in the creation of the morsbags takes a great deal of pride and care in his work, which is reflected in the comments about the high standard of craftsmanship. Work projects not only provide purpose and structure to prison life, they can also encourage the development of new skills and strengthen our efforts to reduce the risk of re-offending among prisoners.’
