Guernsey prisoners meditate to reduce recidivism

Inmates at Guernsey prison have completed a seven-day yoga and meditation course aimed at reducing recidivism rates.

Prison Stress Management and Rehabilitation Training (SMART) courses are part of Le Nicole’s education programme, with four prisoners taking part in the latest course.

John de Carteret, warden of the prison, which can hold up to 134 inmates, said the course showed a “mixed impact”.

The course is run by the charity Art of Living, which has visited prisons in more than 50 countries.

“Anything that reduces anxiety and stress and gives prisoners strategies to deal with potential issues they may have on a day-to-day basis is always a positive,” Mr de Carteret said.

“What they learn in these programs doesn’t just help them while they’re in prison; they take it home with them and it enriches their lives in other ways.”

Inmate Brenden Jones attended the classes and said he used to be “easily agitated and frustrated” but that the classes have changed how he handles stressful situations.

“In my case, I used to get annoyed over little things, but now I’m a lot calmer,” he said.

The charity’s Guernsey director, Julie Madeley, said the impact was felt outside prisons too.

She said: “A few months ago a woman came into the Mill Street cafe where I volunteer and asked to talk to me.

“She put her arms around me and said, ‘You’ve changed my husband.’

“The family are silent victims.

“This program changes people’s lives. They never back down from the benefits they’ve had.”