Wrexham Scouts Take Tour Of HMP Berwyn

Scouts from Wrexham have visited HMP Berwyn before the facility is due to officially open to the first prisoners on Monday.

The thirty teenagers from K2 Explorer Scout Unit spent an hour touring the prison where they saw the visitors centre, the industries complex, one of the accommodation communities and were shown where the prisoners arrive and are welcomed.

Explorer Scout, Natasha Vening, aged 16, said: “I really enjoyed the visit we had on Monday, we got to see what most people don’t get to see. I think it’s really opened my eyes to what prison is really like, I’m so glad I’ve had this opportunity.”

Matty Jarmaine, 15 from Wrexham said, “The prison was huge, a lot bigger than I was expecting and I was surprised by the facilities. The staff were really interesting and I learned a lot.”

Norah Keller from HMP Berwyn said, “It was great to have the Scouts here. Being involved in the local community and showing what we are creating at Berwyn is really important to us all.”

Before the Scouts had their tour they took part in a mock trial, playing the parts of defence and prosecution, defendant, witnesses and jury to give them an insight into the legal processes which sometimes result in people being imprisoned.

The Scouts are working with HMP Berwyn looking into opening up a Scout Group in the prison for children of the men. The youngsters will be able to take part in typical Scouting activities while they are visiting their fathers.

Moz Morris from Wrexham Scouts said, “It was great to have the opportunity to visit the prison and to be so welcomed by the staff there. I’m really hopeful that we can start a Scout Group providing adventures for the children who are visiting their family in prison, to make it a more comfortable experience for them.”

To find out how to join the Scouts, email [email protected] or phone 07580 889354.

Top pic: Explorer Scouts Rhys Jones and Rebecca Jones have a look round one of the cells, second picture is the K2 Explorer Scout Unit on one of the staircases in an accommodation community.