Caption competition
Discussion
towman said:
Home Office slammed over "too soft" prisons.
Must be HMP Peterborough
www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=845&ArticleID=1041107
PRISON: Anger over 'pampered' prisonersTHERE was anger today that inmates at the new Peterborough prison are to be treated to soothing massages.
Bosses at the prison are advertising for two part-time holistic therapists to give prisoners the kind of treatments offered by health and beauty salons in the city.
United Kingdom Detention Services (UKDS), which runs the £65 million prison, in Saville Road, Westwood, plans to offer the calming effects of reflexology, aromatherapy and Indian head massage to the 216 men and 95 women who are currently behind bars in the modern jail.
Today, however, Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson, said: "It is wrong prisoners are treated in this way. Are they using it as a Butlin's holiday camp?
"It reflects badly on hardworking families in the city that prisoners, men and women guilty of committing serious crimes, are being pampered instead of punished.
"Inmates should be taught basic skills, such as reading and writing, to aid their rehabilitation."
But holistic therapist Brian Fossett, of Garden of Eden Holistic Therapies, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, said: ''Reflexology actually works to balance the body. This can help to reduce anger or emotional problems. An holistic approach to health can help to balance the whole person and those tendencies.
"People may be doing time for a crime but it is of no benefit to anyone for these people to be stressed. There is no point in sending people out of prison full of anger and stress, it just increases the chance of re-offending."
Councillor David Sanders, a member of the Cambridgeshire Police Authority, said: "I question whether or not it is good use of tax payers' money. If I was a victim of crime I would feel very let down by this.
"There may be a time when a prisoner is in need of a reflexologist, but this seems ridiculous."
Today, Danny Giles (84), who was targeted with his partner, Maisie Forster (90), by distraction burglars at their sheltered bungalow in Orton Brimbles, Peterborough, was furious.
He said: "This is disgusting. These people know what they are doing, and are in prison to be punished, not pampered."
UKDS spokesman Nicholas Hopkins said: "There are some prisoners for whom holistic therapy will be extremely beneficial."
Prison director Mike Conway said: "The incident of self-harm among female prisoners is very high, and this was part of an initiative to help resolve that problem."
Cost of sessions
COMPLIMENTARY therapy is booming.
Reflexology involves stimulating and massaging the feet and hands to tackle tension, stress and other health problems. Treatments can cost up to £40 an hour for a course of six sessions. Indian head massage generally last an hour and costs between £30 and £35.
In aromatherapy, therapists blend oils and involve a full-body massage, which can cost upwards of £30.
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff