During questions to the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday 26th January, I commended the organisation Cleansheet and the work it does to help rehabilitate prisoners and provide them with essential skills for the future.
Speaking in the House of Commons, I said, 'I am sure that my hon. Friend would agree with me that it is beholden on as many employers as possible to offer training in prisons, so that when prisoners leave prison they are ready for employment and equipped with the required skills. I invite him to welcome the work that Cleansheet does in our prison estate, particularly in Guys Marsh in my constituency. I have seen it at first hand and it really gets people ready for work'.
Responding, Minister for Prisons, Andrew Selous, MP said: ' I thank my hon. Friend very much for his interest in this important area and I am delighted to praise the work of Cleansheet and so many other organisations that try to get prisoners into work. A number of companies,: Timpson, Halfords, the Clink restaurants, the Census Data Group, Aramark and many others I could mention, are rising to the challenge. We want many more to join them.'
Organisations play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process. Guys Marsh Prison in my constituency benefits hugely from the services and support of Cleansheet and it is reassuring to hear of the Government's continued support for this work. Having sat in on one of their prisoner sessions last September, the motivation and hope Cleansheet provides is tangible.