Gosford Community Corrections has joined forces with the Country Women’s Association to give back to the community by creating beanies, blankets and teddy bears for babies in need.
Community Corrections is a division within Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) which manages and supervises offenders sentenced to various types of community-based orders by the courts, or released from prison on parole to complete the remainder of their sentence in the community.
A team of dedicated Woy Woy CWA volunteers has been giving a helping hand to the community service light duties group, teaching offenders the art of knitting, crochet and looming.
Community Services Organiser Sarah McCabe said offenders were embracing the chance to learn new skills and produce high-quality work.
“What a difference they have made – the beanies, blankets, scarves and trauma teddies are gorgeous, not to mention the increase in productivity too,” she said.
“The added benefit to this partnership has been an overall improvement in participant behaviour, attitude, language, engagement and the pride taken in their work.”
In April, one CWA volunteer who worked for Air Ambulance spoke to offenders about the important role their donations played in helping babies in need and organised to have 131 beanies donated to NSW Ambulance to be used in birthing kits.
Offenders said they were proud of the work being undertaken and that their experience with the knitting group had been overwhelmingly positive.
“I didn’t know how to make beanies prior to entering this group – I’m at home a lot by myself, so coming to the knitting group has been a good experience,” one offender said.
Assistant Commissioner Community Corrections Bernard Ripperger said providing offenders with a chance to learn new skills and give back was an essential part of their rehabilitation into the community.
“The skills developed in programs like these build on those made in custody; by giving offenders a chance to make a difference in other people’s lives, they’re able to make a positive change in their own life,” he said.
“It is very encouraging to see those who are rebuilding their lives rolling up their sleeves to help those who are so vulnerable.”
The knitting group is currently making Aboriginal beanies and scarfs for the Koori Knock Out rugby league competition, which is being held on the October long weekend.
Source:
Corrective Services NSW