A new initiative aimed at improving links between villagers and prison personnel has been launched in Bovingdon.

The Mount, Molyneaux Avenue, Bovingdon, held a series of community events and more than 50 volunteers attended several events throughout the day, which included the launch of Friends of The Mount.

The group, which aims to forge closer links between the prison and the community, will include Bovingdon villagers, borough and parish councilors, south West Hertfordshire businesses, volunteers and a representative from prison management.  

Kim Hobbs, Friends of The Mount chairman, said: "Until I volunteered at the prison, I knew very little about it, despite it being situated at the heart of the community. 

"The prison is both a major local employer and a contributor to the local economy, employing large numbers of people directly and indirectly.

"In small ways we hope that our work will support that of the prison by building better links across community groups."

Steve Bradford, governor of The Mount, said: "I am pleased to support initiatives that encourage the prison and the community to work together for mutual benefits, and it is particularly encouraging that this initiative is led by local people, from all parts of the community."

A public bench, which will be installed in Bovingdon village centre was presented by Friends of The Mount at the launch. It was made by prisoners trained in skilled woodworking in one of the prison’s workshops. 

The bench is sponsored by Rough Stuff, a rustic oak contractor that works with the prison.

One volunteer, who asked not to be named, said: "I love doing volunteering, and I find the one to one communication fantastically rewarding. It’s a very demanding and challenging role, but worth it.

"Offenders, at times, might feel that they can’t talk to staff or the governor, which is why volunteers are so important to bridge that gap. 

"Some feel that anything they say could be put on their record, so the one to one with a volunteer is a way for them to talk about their past and deal both with that and their plans for the future.

"When you can change lives through voluntary courses, it’s great to see how the offenders change, first their attitude, and then their lives."