A LAST minute cash injection has saved a key service which prepares Bovingdon-based prisoners for life on the outside.

The service for The Mount Prison, run by manager of Watford Citizens Advice Bureau Ms Carol Firman, looked set to come to an end after only ten months.

But The Mount and the Hertfordshire Association for the Rehabilitation of Offenders (HACRO) came up the money just as Ms Firman was preparing to write a letter to the prison to say she couldn't continue the work.

She said: "It was so last-minute. Just as I was about to tell the prison service it was all over, we suddenly received a letter with the good news.

"This really is so crucial in preventing any re-offending and allowing prisoners to re-establish themselves in the outside world.

"We thought it was all about to come to an end due to the money shortage but now we can carry on, at least for the time being."

The cash means the service will be able to run for at least another three years, although money is still required for IT equipment.

At present, Ms Firman makes regular visits to The Mount Prison, holding advice surgeries there. While it does not act like a counselling service, advice and assistance is given to inmates, and suggestions are made for dealing with problems.

Prisoners come to her with their problems, whether they are ones they have faced while there, or ones they came in with.

Ms Firman added: "Some come to me worrying about the fact that they have nothing when they come out of prison - owning only the prison clothes they are wearing.

"I spoke to one man recently whose wife has left him and ran off with their kids."

Other issues raised include money worries, the breakdown of relationships and what to do on going back into the community.

A waiting list has started due to the overwhelming interest in the scheme and, with the extra funding, more volunteers will now be able to offer their support.

A residential governor at the prison, Ms Helen Dawson, has played an important role in carrying out the programme, liaising closely with Watford Citizens' Advice Bureau.

She said: "It is absolutely invaluable. If prisoners do not have access to things like this then they will worry much more about their problems, particularly as they cannot see a way out.

"It is completely confidential and without prejudice and as more and more prisoners have come to us, word has spread resulting in a great deal of people showing interest."

Volunteers are needed to help with the scheme. If you are interested, contact Ms Carol Firman on 01923 224531.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.