It’s hoped that the extension of support services for Clare prisoners and their families will aid in tackling the issue of repeat offending.
The Bedford Row Family Project has opened a new premises in Ennis catering for up to 40 people – including offenders and families.
Funding constraints mean that it only operates on a part-time basis, but a long-term goal is to offer full time services ranging from psychotherapy and peer support to training and employment advice.
The Bedford Row Family Project was set up almost two decades ago to help the families of those detained at Limerick Prison, and to cut down on repeat offending by offering former inmates alternatives to a life of crime.
It’s estimated that up to 80 of the prison’s 238 inmates have Clare addresses and that there are a further 250 people from this county currently on probation.
Given the high percentage of prisoners from this county, it was decided in 2016 to look at extending Bedford Row’s services into this county and that’s been ongoing since last year – although on a part-time basis.
Thanks to seed funding from the Sisters of Mercy and the Courts Discretionary Fund, set up by District Court Judge, Patrick Durcan a full-time project leader for Clare has been appointed and she’s secured enough support to provide services for up to 40 people.
Bedford Row Clare has just opened a new premises at the Clon Road Business Park and project leader Lee Ann Purcell says it’s about looking after those who are often the forgotten victims of crime:
Annette is the mother of a prisoner and is also a support worker with Bedford Row in Clare. She says their services are about listening and not judging.
Bedford Row Clare currently opens on a part-time basis Tuesday to Thursday.
The service at the Clon Road Business Park, Ennis can be contacted on 065 6892288.
