Inmates at HMP Barlinnie contribute to spreading festive cheer by utilising their carpentry skills to enhance an Ayrshire village. The prisoners crafted 10 wooden benches that are now strategically placed around Monkton, much to the delight of the locals. The collaborative effort behind this project involved Monkton Community Council, the inmates at HMP Barlinnie, and the South Ayrshire Community Payback Team.
Harry Middleditch, the chair of Monkton Community Council, shared the journey behind the initiative, which began about two and a half years ago when the idea was presented to the community council. The project received grant funding to acquire the benches from HMP Barlinnie and also included a dementia-friendly painting scheme. The brightly painted benches not only add a splash of colour to the village but also provide a comfortable spot for residents to enjoy watching planes and the world go by.
The Community Payback team played a crucial role in the installation of the benches, ensuring they were securely placed in various locations such as The Cross, Station Road, Main Street, near the school and playing fields, and on the road to Adamton Estate. Further plans are in place to make at least two of the benches disabled-friendly in the upcoming year. Dean Barlas, a justice services officer overseeing the unpaid work teams for South Ayrshire, expressed his satisfaction in bridging the gap between the criminal justice system and community initiatives.
Dean highlighted the importance of providing meaningful tasks for individuals on community payback orders, emphasizing the positive impact such projects have on the community. The Scottish Prison Service praised the project for enabling individuals in their care to develop skills and confidence while giving back to the communities they will eventually reintegrate into.
The successful collaboration between the Monkton community, HMP Barlinnie inmates, and the Community Payback team exemplifies the positive outcomes that can be achieved through collective effort and a shared goal of enhancing local spaces. The colourful benches not only serve as functional amenities but also stand as symbols of rehabilitation and community cohesion.