Innovative Rugby Programme
< back
PRESS RELEASE
26th June 2007
DADs and HMP Hull working together through rugby sports to reduce re-offending
The Tackling Drugs Changing Lives award winning DADs charity has teamed up with HMP Hull to introduce rugby skills and citizenship programmes to help offenders on release to stop re-offending when back in the community. DADs has a track record of success working in Prisons with football, and rugby is providing a new opportunity for offenders to participate in a programme that will enable them to team up with DADs in the community following release.
Rob Broomfield from DADs said "we have positive case studies of preventing re-offending and drug misuse when offenders are released into the community, we have a support network and this helps in rehabilitation, our aim is to increase the capacity of support and work with our consortia partners to reduce the stigma that offenders face when they are released, giving them hope for the future".
Gary Swales, Community Partnerships Officer at HMP Hull said "working with groups such as DADs shows our commitment as a local prison working with the community of Hull and the people of our communities towards reducing re-offending and making our streets safer places to live".
Paul Ehlert the DADs Rugby Coach said "we were not sure how successful the prgramme would be, but come rain or shine the sessions are full to capacity and the waiting lists to participate are full, rugby is a tremendous sport and discipline that creates a positive opportunity for offenders to build confidence".
HMP Hull Governor Paul Foweather said "this is a tremendous initiative and shows the Prison does more than keep offenders in secure custody, that if we are to make a meaningful difference to reducing re-offending and better serve our community this is exactly the sort of initiative we need and to build on".
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
Dads Against Drugs (DADs) are a Hull based charity who educate young people about the dangers of drugs through football and rugby coaching in a variety of community settings and the Prison environment. DADs won the Yorkshire & The Humber Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Award in 2006. For further information contact Rob Broomfield m: 07921249054.
HMP Hull is a local Prison holding remand, sentanced and convicted adult males (except Cat A) and young offenders. Some prisoners undertaking specialist programmes. Voluntary & Community Sector organisations already work with Hull Prison. They provide specialist services and skills to assist prisoners with advice, guidance, support to help them address problems such as accommodation, employment, health, finance, alcohol or drug dependency and specific behavioural issues. For further information contact Gary Swales.
Hull Daily Mail, 20th July 2007
< back