Day 146: Praying for our Employment Services and prison Cameo programmes (2019)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 146 of 150 days of prayer.

• 'Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! I say to myself, "Praise the Lord!" I will praise the Lord through all my life. While I am alive, I will always sing to praise my God' (Psalm 146:1 and 2, EasyEnglish Bible).

2019

A letter from Major Ray Hobbins (Aberystwyth) was published in the Salvationist (9 March 2019):

I wish to convey my thanks to Morriston Band and Songsters, who once a month share their talents in the foyer of the local hospital; this is a great witness and gives patients and visitors great blessing. I want to thank them especially for going the extra mile. My wife, Eileen, has been in hospital for some weeks, many miles from home, undergoing various procedures. A small party of musicians arrived at the ward, went into her single room to play and sing her favourite songs and then shared a prayer with her. This gave her great encouragement at a difficult time. Eileen is still in hospital. I would also like to thank the retired officers of Swansea Corps for their visits and kindness to us – spiritual and practical.’

Paul Laybourn writes:

‘In 2019 Declan (not his real name) was referred to Paul Laybourn (Employment Development Co-ordinator for The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus) for general support to find employment.

‘Declan, aged 29, was neurodiverse and had been sent to his fair share of Jobcentre programmes. He found making eye contact or interacting within a group overwhelming but had been pushed towards busy retail establishments in those programmes. This made meeting another provider a daunting prospect for Declan…

‘Paul met Declan and, after a quick assessment of Declan’s support needs, reassured him that at Employment Plus the person is placed first and any outcomes second... Paul referred him to a specialist autism organisation in the Rhondda who offered him advice and guidance to understand all the differing levels surrounding neurodiversity. They also helped Declan to feel proud of his unique skills and talents and helped him identify certain employment roles where these would be an advantage.

‘As we started exploring employment support for Declan, it became apparent his social isolation was a starting barrier… As Declan had never been to Cardiff, Paul set about travel training with him, showing Declan how to catch a train firstly to Pontypridd and then later to Cardiff. The day was used to hand deliver his CV to employers that matched his interests. In doing this, not only did Declan’s independence grow, so did his social and communication skills and he discovered a whole new world of interests less than 20 miles from his village with people who shared the same hobbies as he did. 

‘Eventually Declan felt more confident, and Paul found him a volunteering role at a charity shop near to home. Declan felt comfortable each week doing the same repetitive tasks sorting DVDs and books in alphabetical order, which was of great help to the shop manager. In time Paul helped Declan to start applying for work, and, eventually, he was offered a job after completing an online Customer Service course where a real employer came in at the end to offer mock interviews but was so impressed with Declan, they chose to offer him work. Sadly, the role was too far away to be cost effective for Declan’s travel, but this boosted his confidence.

‘During the height of the Covid lockdowns, Paul also drew up walking routes on the local mountains for Declan to go with his dog to keep his mental health in order. Declan had never been walking in his local area, so he found a whole new world in the lovely Valleys around his home. Declan was later referred by the job centre to start an apprenticeship course as they were impressed by his transformation and new confidence. He started the course as a more confident, more independent and a more travelled person.’

The Prison Ministries Unit had a vision to open a Cameo community in Welsh prisons and in 2019 this became a reality. It took quite a few months to set up the physical space, a timetable of activities and to understand the way of life in prison, but eventually we were ready. Prisoners over the retirement age of 65 and those who are not able to work were invited to Cameo sessions throughout the week. 

A Prison Ministries Unit Programme Co-ordinator writes about the Cameo programme in Welsh prisons:

‘Cameo is a safe and welcoming space for older prisoners to come each day. It has evolved wonderfully over the last four years and now sees prisoners taking pride in their Cameo space and encouraging each other to take part in activities which include everything from jigsaws, games, art and craft, baking and seasonal projects to indoor bowls and curling and enjoying some outdoor space when the weather permits. 

‘Sometimes it can feel difficult to see the difference that we are making on a day-to-day basis. It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges of prison life that the men experience. Change is always difficult, with routine and “the expected” being preferred by prisoners. However, the importance of focusing on building positive and trusting pastoral relationships with the men that attend Cameo is something that they often reflect on as they feel that we have provided a safe and welcoming environment without judgment or expectations. 

‘My prayer for the future is that our Cameo communities in Welsh prisons will continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of older prisoners, and that God will be seen in our actions, conversations and advocacy for those that might not always have a voice.’ 

Prayer

• Pray that the patient and focused work of Employment Plus will continue to bear fruit. May those who engage with them have good outcomes.
• Pray for the Cameo community currently helping older prisoners. Pray that the vision of expansion will be an answer to prayer.