End of Quaker era at Maghaberry prison
The Quaker-run visitor centre at Maghaberry prison has been transferred to a private company
A service provided by Quakers for the families of prisoners at Northern Ireland’s top security prison for more than forty years has been transferred to a private company.
Quakers gave support to members of families who visited prisoners at the Maze prison near Lisburn in the early seventies and the service later came under the responsibility of Quaker Service.
The Maze prison was closed down in 2000. The service to nearby Maghaberry prison was continued. The visitors centre at Maghaberry prison, which was opened in 1988, has been managed since then by Quakers.
A government contract for services to meet the needs of people visiting prisoners at Maghaberry and two other prisons in Northern Ireland was awarded before Christmas to a private company. Many of those currently employed at Maghaberry will continue to work under the new private company.
David Bass, chair of Quaker Service, has expressed the disappointment felt by many Irish Friends at the decision to award the contract to a private company: ‘Our Quaker values and ethos, we believe, brought something special, helping to humanise and normalise the experience of visiting prison.
Our staff provided a shoulder to cry on, a hot cup of tea, childcare, transport and practical assistance to those returning time and again to keep those crucial family connections alive.’
Janette McKnight, director of Quaker Service, told the Friend: ‘For us, it is not just about fulfilling a programme. It is about love and kindness. It is about genuine care and concern for people. It is also about our belief in equality.’
The programme to befriend and visit isolated prisoners, Quaker Connections, will continue. It recently expanded to include another Northern Ireland prison.
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