The Rev. Katy Canty, HMP Altcourse, attended the speaker meeting to describe her role as prison chaplain. She has worked at the prison for 14 years, starting her career there as a volunteer, then in adult education, which consolidated her previous career work as a teacher and eventually taking up a part time
chaplaincy role whilst studying for her ordination.

She spoke eloquently of having a feeling of compassion for, not fear of, the inmates and
described having a clear feeling of “this is where I am meant to be” when she took up her permanent placement. She firmly believes that wearing a “dog-collar” is a bonus, as she is instantly recognised as the chaplain in this all male prison, and receives a great deal of respect from the inmates, not because of her sex or her beliefs, but because they know she will listen.

She gave snapshots of many moving background stories of some of those who have come to her for help, and whilst she does not, and cannot,  condone what many of the lads have done, feels that with support they can turn their lives around.

She has 3 specific tasks within the prison service; meeting and greeting every new prisoner, although sadly for some of them this will be a re-acquaintance , visiting prisoners in the healthcare unit, and visiting those who for whatever reason , have been placed in the care and separation unit, which is a punishment area with a very strict regime. She focuses on being there to listen, support inmates in times of crisis and walking among them , rather than religious dictates or sermons.

Those who attended the talk could not help but be moved by the compassion she demonstrated for those within her care, and Katy firmly believes that having listened to so many stories over the years, there is a clear connection between alcohol and bereavement which then forces people to make inappropriate life choices or act in a way which finds them on the wrong side of the law. 70-80% of the prison population also have mental health problems and for whatever reason have found themselves in a prison environment rather than somewhere they can receive the help that they need.

She is due to retire from her post at the end of the year and I fear the inmates of HMP Altcourse will miss her greatly.