Search for alternatives to prison

Press, 5 December 1988, Page 14

Search for alternatives to prison

The Roper Committee is currently asking the public for its views on prisons and possible alternatives. It is important that community and church groups and anyone else working with offenders become involved in this, as any alternatives will need their support to work.

A study day on alternatives to prison will be held this Saturday at Linwood Avenue Union Church, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The discussion panel will be made up of Mary Kamo, an ecumenical prison chaplain; Mr Justice Williamson, chaplain to Paparua Women’s Prison; Philip Hall, a member of the Criminal Bar Association; and Greg Newbold, a former prisoner and lecturer in sociology at Canterbury

University. The cost of the day is $3. Bring food to share for lunch. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Those wanting to participate can contact Elizabeth Mackie, from the Conference of Churches in Aotearoa-New Zealand, at 669-274, by this Wednesday.

Nicaraguan hurricane appeal

When Cyclone Joan struck Nicaragua on October 22, 10 per cent of the population were made homeless and large areas of food and export crops destroyed. This latest disaster has meant life in Nicaragua is a grim struggle for survival. The country is already poverty-stricken,

and suffering the Contra war and the United States trade embargo.

Dr Bernie Towler is an Australian woman who has been working in Nicaragua for the past six months. She will be visiting Christchurch this week to bring us information about life there.

Bernie will give a talk and show a video film and black and white photographs this Friday. This will be in the Stringleman Room of Canterbury Public Library, starting at 7.45 p.m.

Paul Carter

workshop

Paul Carter is a Californian who is internationally known for his training seminars in therapeutic trance work.

Paul, who has a doctorate in psychology, was trained by this century’s most respected hypnotherapist, Milton Erickson. Paul will be making his first visit to the South Island next February to give workshops for therapists as well as those wanting to explore their unconscious minds. A workshop for those wanting to deepen their self-understanding will be held in Christchurch from February 4 to 6, and an intensive training seminar will be held at Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre, south of Nelson, from February 17 to 25.

The Christchurch workshop will be held at the Polytech’s Seminar Centre, in Sullivan Avenue. The fee will be about $250. For further informa-

tion, contact Robert Hunt at 791-171 (work) or 664741 (home), or write to P.O. Box 13-329.

Lincoln hospital support

A group of mothers in the Lincoln area has set up an association to support the Lincoln Maternity Hospital.

Called the Friends of Lincoln Hospital Association, the women want to raise funds for “extras” for mothers and babies, help new mothers, set up parents’ groups and generally support the lowrisk, family centred maternity hospital itself. Anyone interested in joining can do so for $5 (family membership). For more details contact Nicky Murray at 252-778.

Time Out ... side

Parents with toddlers, older people and those less mobile are invited to join in an easy half-day walk to the Sign of the Bellbird, at Coopers Knob, this Wednesday. No walking experience or fitness is needed for this trip, which has been organised by the Outdoor Recreation Centre. The walk will be guided.

A bus will leave the centre, at the Arts Centre in the norning. The cost is $l2.

For more details contact 799-395 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Media Women

Media Women will hold an informal Christmas meeting at 126 Leinster Road, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 8.

All Media Women and their friends who work in the media are invited. Bring a plate. Drinks will be provided. —Compiled by GLENYS WALKER Please send items at least one week in advance to Glenys Walker, “Making It Happen,” Home and People Page, “The Press,” Private Bag, Christchurch.