Dear Sir,
I have been employed as a discipline officer within The Kainos unit, D Wing at HMP The Verne for approximately 7 months. This is the first opportunity within my career in the service of working on a community based wing. I have found the change of job interesting and diverse.
The Kainos community works well within the dorm accommodation, the men get an opportunity to live in close quarters and function as a community. The men have to resolve any arising problems and disputes amongst themselves.
“The motto ‘Challenge to Change’ can be seen working within the community. The transformation of the men proves to me that this community works and I feel that there should be more of these within the service”.
Officer Radford J
The men undertake several in depth courses as part of being on the unit, I have personally
witnessed men who have had problems communicating and sharing their life experiences,
open up and start to trust other members within the course. I have seen shy withdrawn
men grasp the confidence to stand up in front of a large group and challenge other
men’s behaviour. The community provides a place of trust and guidance, a phenomenal
amount of support is received from the voluntary mentors. The men seem to react well
to the compassion and understanding shown by the volunteers on group days like ‘Good
Neighbour Weekends’. I feel that the wing offers a multi-