A REHABILITATION programme is benefiting young offenders and the community in Barnard Castle.
Barnard Castle Town Council recently donated two hanging baskets to Beaconsfield Court Care Home in Galgate. Deerbolt Young Offenders’ Institution originally donated the baskets to the town council but scaffolding on the council’s offices at Woodleigh prevented them from being hung up.
Town mayor Cllr John Blissett said: “We thought it would be better if they were displayed on another building. Beaconsfield is on the main road through the town, so we thought this was the ideal place.”
Manager of Beaconsfield Laura Longridge said: “Our residents are over the moon and the hanging baskets fit in with our flower displays. They look lovely”
The hanging baskets are brightening up people’s lives in Barnard Castle but also have an important role to play in the lives of those who have created them – the inmates of Deerbolt YOI. Deerbolt holds up to 500 young adults aged between 18 and 21.
Governor of Deerbolt Andy Hudson said: “For obvious reasons the lads don’t get out into the community, but to see their work in photos actually means a lot to them.
“They can see that their hard work is benefiting the community.”
Deerbolt inmates have also been growing plants for the flowerbeds and planters around the town.
Del Fiddes, who oversees the work at Deerbolt, said: “The hanging baskets and flower displays in Barnard Castle were part of a deliberate strategy to provide a real working environment with real work providing a service for real customers.”
Mr Hudson said: “Deerbolt is a prison that never gives up on anyone and through rehabilitation programmes such as this we get to know and understand a little better the person behind the behaviour.
“It has been a really useful exercise to co-operate with the town council and we are looking forward to working together in the future.”
