Offenders help centre

Offenders help centre

24 April 2013

THE historic Tobar Mhuire retreat and conference centre in Crossgar is undergoing major renovation with the assistance of offenders on community service.

The offenders who are assisting a regeneration project by the Tobar Mhuire Passionist Community which focuses on its magnificent Victorian buildings and surrounding grounds, are being supervised by the Probation Board.

Last week, retreat director Brian McKee was presented with a Probation Community Service plaque by the Probation Board’s area manager Christine Hunter.

A Probation Board community service supervisor and a squad of offenders have been assisting with the clearing of land and buildings in preparation for restoration works at Crossgar.

And when the restoration project ends the Probation Board’s link with Tobar Mhuire will continue with its community service section continuing to help in the grounds with maintenance and gardening.

Mr. McKee has acknowledged the work being carried out by offenders at Tobar Mhuire, explaining “it makes a positive difference to the grounds and buildings.”

He added: “I am very grateful for the assistance and look forward to developing our partnership with the Probation Board in the future.”

Community service supervisor Tom Marner said the Probation Board in the Downpatrick area works in partnership with the community and voluntary sectors to provide placements for community service to enable offenders to pay back for the crimes they have committed.

“Examples of community service work are environmental and conservation projects, painting and decorating, contributing to community clean-ups, working in animal shelters or assisting disabled people,” he said.

Probation Board area manager Christine Hunter said community service is one of the most successful court sentences in terms of preventing re-offending. She said three out of four people who complete community service do not re-offend in one year.”

Anyone who knows of any projects which the Probation Board’s community service section could work on is asked to log on at www.pbni.org.uk and fill in the online nomination form.

People can also email communityservice@pbni.gsi.gov.uk or telephone (028) 9064 7156 to speak with a community service manager.