26 June 2019
The Catholic Dean of Jersey visited the prison recently, as part of the States of Jersey Prison Service’s community work to support prisoners both during their sentences and to help them reintegrate back into society.
It was Canon Dominic Golding’s first visit to the prison since he was appointed as Catholic Dean of Jersey in September, succeeding Monsignor Nicholas France, who served the island for nineteen years.
Canon Golding, whose previous post was Dean of the Catholic Cathedral of St John in Portsmouth, met a number of prisoners, many of whom took confession during his visit.
Prison Governor Nick Cameron said that he was delighted to welcome Canon Golding to develop the prison’s partnership with Catholic charity Caritas.
“We work with Caritas to provide support for prisoners, young offenders and vulnerable families,” he said. “It is important for SoJPS to collaborate with organisations such as Caritas in order to support prisoners while they are serving their sentences but also as part of their rehabilitation when they are released and return to the community. It is widely known that prisoners are less likely to reoffend if they have support when they are reintegrated back into society.”
Prison Chaplain, Deacon David Cahill, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Canon Dominic to the prison. He has experience of working in prisons from his time in England and it was most apparent that he wishes to share that expertise for the benefit of others. His support is greatly appreciated and will provide another element in our cooperation with the wider island community by creating partnerships to assist in the reintegration process and ultimately reduce reoffending. I look forward to continuing our work with him and Caritas in the future”.
Canon Golding’s visit to the prison included a tour of the old and new visits area, the chapel, art room, workshops, compound and residential wings to meet individual prisoners.
gov.je