National Prison Chaplain Event

“People are more than the worst mistake they have ever made.” This was a quotation from one of the former prisoners who spoke at our first annual national prison chaplain event here at the college recognising that individuals can make one bad choice or a series of bad choices that can lead to imprisonment, often influenced by socio-economic factors or issues around ethnic minority communities. Over the last year, we have built meaningful relationships with HMP Altcourse and HMP Liverpool with the awareness that prison life affects our college community, whether through employment, students or staff being victims of crime, or indeed students or staff having family members serving a sentence. It was a delight and honour to host such a multi-cultural event and hope that it is one of many in the future. The quote below is from our Head Girl Katie Sly who was part of the Sixth Form Leadership Team who compered the event: I’m Katie a sixth form student and the Head Girl here at Archbishop Beck. I wanted to be a part of this event because I believe meaningful change starts with giving people opportunities to grow and improve. My faith of Christianity teaches the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and second chances and I believe everyone has the potential to change and deserves this opportunity. Surely, as a college, uniquely positioned between two prisons, we have a duty to engage and explore with how prison life impacts our communities, and as always, greater understanding builds more tolerant and accepting societies. Paul Stirling, Headteacher, said, “We were proud to host the National Prison Chaplaincy Seminar, a multi-faith gathering of chaplains. It showed our students what Catholic social teaching and interfaith respect look like in practice — a commitment to dignity, mercy, and the belief that every person has worth and a future.”