Mollie Robinson visited HMP Bedford recently and had the opportunity to
see this new venture:
I visited HMP Bedford recently and had the opportunity to see this new
venture. The newly created Quiet Garden is delightful and has been
carefully designed to suit the prison environment. I heard from Gill Lewis
how patients have taken the responsibility to care for this transformed
space and about the positive effect its creation has had upon their
overall well-being. The numbers on constant watch have been reduced
because they have been able to use the new seating in this attractive
space and have consequently become less isolated and more socialised. This
was delightful to hear!
I am now having conversations with prison staff elsewhere, and seeking
to discern how and where to proceed with this prison initiative. In
addition, we would like in the future, if at all possible, to have an
educational programme for use in prisons using the metaphor of the garden.
This needs much wisdom and creativity, and we would value your prayers for
every aspect of these initiatives.