Menu
17/11/2015
Magilligan Prisoners Allowed To Use Skype To Contact Their Families
Over 70 prisoners at Magilligan in L'Derry can use Skype to make personal video calls to their families, it has been revealed.
This is the first prison in the UK to introduce the facility as part of a new rehabilitation project.
Governor of Magilligan David Eagleson said it is an important part of the rehabilitation process.
Mr Eagleson said: "We launched Skype as a pilot scheme at the end of last year. Apart from the initial cost in installing the equipment, it is free to use. The link is set up in a safe and secure environment for a prisoner to make personal video calls to loved ones for up to 30 minutes each week. The suite is completely sound-proof, but security cameras monitor the calls.
"The uptake among the prison population was slow to start but it is being used by more and more prisoners, including foreign nationals, who are husbands and fathers and those who wish to maintain a good relationship with their families. We are now also planning to roll it out to more prisoners in the future."
(CD/JP)
This is the first prison in the UK to introduce the facility as part of a new rehabilitation project.
Governor of Magilligan David Eagleson said it is an important part of the rehabilitation process.
Mr Eagleson said: "We launched Skype as a pilot scheme at the end of last year. Apart from the initial cost in installing the equipment, it is free to use. The link is set up in a safe and secure environment for a prisoner to make personal video calls to loved ones for up to 30 minutes each week. The suite is completely sound-proof, but security cameras monitor the calls.
"The uptake among the prison population was slow to start but it is being used by more and more prisoners, including foreign nationals, who are husbands and fathers and those who wish to maintain a good relationship with their families. We are now also planning to roll it out to more prisoners in the future."
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 March 2024
Full Line Up Revealed For Mums At Work Event
Inspiring business women from across Northern Ireland are set to speak at Mums At Work CIC's Elevate Your Business event, happening later this month. The event aims to uphold the vision of its late founder, Sinead Norton, by providing a supportive and nurturing environment for women in business.
Full Line Up Revealed For Mums At Work Event
Inspiring business women from across Northern Ireland are set to speak at Mums At Work CIC's Elevate Your Business event, happening later this month. The event aims to uphold the vision of its late founder, Sinead Norton, by providing a supportive and nurturing environment for women in business.
14 March 2024
Mums At Work: Entrepreneurs To Share Journey & Expertise
A whole host of local entrepreneurs are set to take to the stage at the Mums At Work Elevate Your Business event later this month.
Mums At Work: Entrepreneurs To Share Journey & Expertise
A whole host of local entrepreneurs are set to take to the stage at the Mums At Work Elevate Your Business event later this month.
21 March 2024
38,000 Expected To Support Big Spring Clean Initiative
Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland's community and civic pride campaign, has announced the return of the region's largest volunteer clean-up campaign, Big Spring Clean, which saw over 38,000 volunteers take part in diverse clean-up activities in 2023.
38,000 Expected To Support Big Spring Clean Initiative
Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland's community and civic pride campaign, has announced the return of the region's largest volunteer clean-up campaign, Big Spring Clean, which saw over 38,000 volunteers take part in diverse clean-up activities in 2023.
27 February 2024
SF Calls For Urgent Delivery of Affordable Childcare
Sinn Féin's Childcare Spokesperson has urged the Executive to prioritise delivering affordable childcare for parents and families.
SF Calls For Urgent Delivery of Affordable Childcare
Sinn Féin's Childcare Spokesperson has urged the Executive to prioritise delivering affordable childcare for parents and families.
23 April 2024
BCC Calls For Applicants To 'Vacant To Vibrant' Scheme
Belfast City Council has renewed a call for applications to its ongoing 'Vacant To Vibrant' grant scheme, which aims to transform empty spaces in the city centre.
BCC Calls For Applicants To 'Vacant To Vibrant' Scheme
Belfast City Council has renewed a call for applications to its ongoing 'Vacant To Vibrant' grant scheme, which aims to transform empty spaces in the city centre.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
