A former Isle of Man Prison volunteer has been recognised for her ‘outstanding contribution’ to the work carried out by the education team.
Steph Gardner, who lives in Kirk Michael, volunteered with the education team for around two years, helping out with essential administration and supporting the team.
She has been nominated by prison education manager Fiona Robinson in the Charity and Volunteers category in Isle of Man Newspapers’ Pride in Mann Awards.
Fiona said: ‘She has made an outstanding contribution to the very valuable work undertaken by the education team in providing a wide ranging programme of education with the aim of reducing rates of reoffending and equipping prisoners with the skills and qualifications necessary to reform their lives.
‘She has provided considerable administrative support to the teaching staff and prisoners in a sometimes challenging environment.
‘Her cheerful and willing disposition has made her an irreplaceable member of the education team, in assisting with administrative tasks, using her initiative to seek ways of improving systems and procedures, and in providing a listening ear and moral support to all when required.
‘The prison is not a place where many would seek to volunteer to help out, but Steph saw it not only as a challenge, but as an environment where she could bring her considerable skills and experience to really make a difference.’
Fiona said Steph has contributed to the smooth running and efficiency of the education department, adding: ‘She is a key team player, taking dramas calmly in her stride. Her contribution is not only valued by staff but also by prisoners.
‘They are appreciative that she has chosen to volunteer to help in the prison and accordingly treat her with gratitude and respect, many taking the opportunity to personally thank her for some tasks she has undertaken on their behalf.
‘Her voluntary involvement to prison education cannot be overstated. It has earned the thanks and appreciation of prison staff, teaching staff and prisoners alike, and she has made a real impact on the work of the education department and lives of prisoners.’
Steph worked with the team until last month and said she ‘very much enjoyed’ volunteering at the Isle of Man Prison.
The Kirk Michael resident said she decided to take on the volunteer work to ‘give something back’ and to also give structure to her day.
‘Education development is very important for the prison and it helps with resettlement and rehabilitation,’ she said.
‘It gives prisoners education that, perhaps, they weren’t interested in previously and helps them for when they do get out of prison and helps them get back on their feet.’
• To nominate an individual or organisation in the Pride in Mann Awards use the form below.