HMP The Mount

HMP The Mount 30^th May – 3^rd June

The first time that we have been to HMP The Mount as far as I can remember, but that’s not very far these days!

A fantastic event made truly great by the group of guides that I worked with there. It is pretty true to say that there are not that many Jewish offenders languishing in British Jails, but at HMP The Mount, I had the pleasure to work with half a dozen Jewish prisoners, who had volunteered their services as exhibition guides for the event. Their own history and knowledge of Anne Frank and the Holocaust was perhaps not surprising but their commitment to explaining the story and the lessons of these times was truly exemplary, and was very inspiring for visitors to the exhibition. I was very heartened to see the no. 1 Governor Mark Drury in attendance at the closing event on Friday where our special guest Speaker Steven Frank held us all spellbound with his story of survival from Theresienstadt concentration camp, and how he came to England at the end of the war and made it his home.

Our special thanks to Head of Diversity MR Jim Bridger for doing such a grand job in organising it all.

Steven Frank

HMP Oakwood

I first met with the Equalities team at HMP Oakwood at the end of 2015, where we discussed having the event there in 2016. It was going to be a very special event, stretching over 2 weeks in February.

By coincidence, our very special Trustee and Key speaker Eva Schloss was going to be making a film with the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation at around this time, and so it was proposed that The JBC film Eva and the exhibition whilst at Oakwood. This request was put to the authorities but alas the idea was eventually turned down. This was a great disappointment to everyone concerned – but never mind.

We worked with a great group of prisoners who acted as peer mentors in presenting the exhibition to both fellow inmates as well as staff.

We had some wonderful feedback from the visitors throughout the event, and it was a very positive experience all round.

Many thanks to Neesha Ecclestone, Patrick Woodhead and Dan Daley who organised this event and for all their support throughout.

We are re-visiting the prison again in April/May when we will present 2 workshops – our ‘Free 2 Choose’ debate, and our ‘Creative writing’ workshop with Leah Thorn.  Eva Schloss will also be speaking there in April.