In HMP Barlinnie, this year’s ‘Haxton Award’ was awarded to HOPE Connections.
The Glasgow-based charity have been coming into Barlinnie for over two years and provide invaluable support and guidance to individuals in custody.
They offer 1 to 1 support to help prepare individuals for release at the end of their sentences. They assist with practical issues such as making appointments and obtaining necessities such as food and clothes. They also regularly pick up individuals on their liberation date and offer a range of throughcare support in the community.
In addition to this, they run ‘Addictions Awareness’ groups in the establishment’s Wellbeing Centre, two days per week. The workers have lived experience so their connection with people in custody is particularly powerful.
The history of the award is that Mr Gordon Haxton came into HMP Barlinnie with other volunteers to lead a bible class every Sunday afternoon for an incredible 65 years. Mr Haxton received an MBE in 2002 for services to prisoner welfare. The award in his name is given to a different volunteer group within the prison every year.
Pictured is Chaplain Jill Clancy, with Joan from Hope Connections.
