OFFENDERS HELP BLACKBURN CHURCH TO CARRY OUT FUNERAL
19 Jan 2010
Offenders supervised by Lancashire Probation Trust cleared the way for a funeral as ice and snow threatened it with cancellation. The cold weather had been jeopardising funeral processions at the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Blackburn because of the treacherous conditions.
The church called Lancashire Probation Trust and two Community Payback groups attended to assist. The 12 offenders, using grit provided by the church, worked to clear roads and made space for parking – ensuring safe access to the church and allowing the funeral to proceed as planned.
The funeral was held for a Eucharistic Minister who had been a well respected member of the church for over 40 years. Because of this, the family felt it was only right that the funeral be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and appealed to the Probation Trust for help rather that ask another church to perform the service.
Mrs. Walmsley – on behalf of the church – praised the work done, saying: “I was delighted and proud of the effort demonstrated in those difficult conditions. Thanks to them, we managed to hold the funeral. It meant a lot to us.”
Paul Roberts, a Community Payback supervisor who was working on the day, was proud of what everyone accomplished: “There was a lot of enthusiasm and support at the church. The public praised the offenders for their help and the offenders took pride in doing a job that meant so much to people. I feel we made a real difference.”
Community Payback is a punishment handed out by the courts. It is demanding work, carried out by offenders in the community. They have to wear orange high-visibility jackets, marked Community Payback, so that people can see that they’re paying back the community for their crimes.
This project is just one of many undertaken by offenders working as part of their court punishment on Community Payback. Last year, a total of over 30,000 hours were worked unpaid across Blackburn by offenders for the benefit of local people and neighbourhoods.
Anyone can suggest work projects for offenders to do - apply by clicking on the link below. All work schemes must be for public or charity/ non-profit community benefit.
