HMP Warren Hill hosted the unveiling of the memorial after many months of planning thanks to an idea from veterans. Managed by Officer Alberico (HMPPS), who organises the group, the memorial was designed by prisoners with the assistance of HMPPS veterans, and it was delivered by the GFSL CRED team.
James, GFSL Facilities Manager HMP Warren Hill, said:
The CRED team here at HMP Warren Hill are in place to be an extension of our team and to carry out daily maintenance tasks, however every now and then a small project like this comes along and it's great for all those involved and the wider community.
War memorials are erected to commemorate those who died in a war, to record a victory or particular battle and provide a place of remembrance for those who lost loved ones and/or have no grave to visit which is ideal in the prison environment.
This was an HMPPS idea and delivered by GFSL CRED, a proud moment for us as a team bringing the community together.
Alan, GFSL Fabric Operative that supported CRED team, said:
I found working on the memorial very rewarding, I have a skill set that the prison was able to call upon. Combine this with the skills that the CRED team have, and you are able to build these sorts of projects. Together we have built something special, and this will stand for many years as testament to these that built it.
Officer Alberico, HMPPS Veterans support officer, said:
I had an idea of placing a war memorial in HMP Warren Hill. The memorial represents all that have served their country. I involved all workshops, and prisoners from our veteran community and wider community with skills to assist in the building of our memorial. The memorial brought together our community as one, showing comradery and that we can all put differences aside to achieve harmony.
Helena, GFSL Justice solutions manager, said:
Well done to all involved who once again have demonstrated that collaborative working between GFSL, Prisons and Prisoners can lead to fantastic outcomes for all. I am really pleased that we were able to support the Veterans Group and that the Prisoners had the opportunity to be involved in the project from design to build.
GFSL provides facilities management service to 48 prisons in the south of England. In addition to maintaining the facilities, some sites are in a position to give prisoners valuable work experience that will support their rehabilitation and future employment opportunities.
