Prisoner rehabilitation project improves outdoor space for Fife care homes

Residents of local care homes are benefitting from a collaboration between Fife Council, HMP Perth and MGM Timber that is improving their outdoor environment.

The 'Good Neighbour’ initiative has donated quality garden furniture made by prisoners, using materials donated by MGM Timber, to Ostlers House in Kirkcaldy and Napier House in Glenrothes care homes.

The project is aiding rehabilitation by providing prisoners with valuable skills and a sense of contribution to the community. They have made six classic style bench sets, three picnic benches and one double-seater modern-style chair. The furniture is a welcome improvement to the outdoor spaces and, in turn, the wellbeing of residents and staff.

Elaine Siggers, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership Team Manager for Older People’s Service said: “It was a pleasure to accept delivery of the garden furniture for our care homes from our colleagues in the Scottish Prison Service. We later met with officers from Perth Prison at Ostlers House Care Home where they were able to see the furniture in pride of place and share the details of the Good Neighbour initiative and the positive outcomes for the individuals involved in the project.

“It is no exaggeration to say that the furniture is of the highest quality and is already being thoroughly enjoyed by our service users and their families.”

Head of Offender Outcomes at HMP Perth, Tom Martin said: “Being involved in the ‘Good Neighbour’ initiative gives individuals in our care the opportunity to contribute constructively to their communities. It promotes citizenship, builds confidence, and teaches new skills. All of these things support them to make positive changes to their lives and better prepare them for life on release.”

Mark Brown, Project Manager for Fife Council’s Environment and Building Services facilitated this opportunity. He added: "The skills and dedication shown by the prisoners in crafting this beautiful furniture reflects their positive step towards community reintegration. We’re proud to support initiatives like this that bring benefits both to our local communities and the individuals involved."