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Second 'Clink' restaurant opens at HMP Cardiff

Jeremy Wright today attended the opening of The Clink Cymru restaurant outside HMP Cardiff. Prisoners…

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

New Prisons and Rehabilitation Minister Jeremy Wright today attended the opening of The Clink Cymru restaurant outside HMP Cardiff.

Prisoners from Cardiff and Prescoed prisons will be working in the newly refurbished restaurant, where offenders will gain a range of hospitality related qualifications whilst experiencing a real work environment.

**Jeremy Wright said: ** 

‘We are determined to cut reoffending rates by giving offenders the skills and the work ethic they need to find employment on release from custody.

‘I’m genuinely impressed by what I’ve seen here today. The Clink is an excellent example of how we are encouraging meaningful work and training in prisons so offenders are given what they need to address the issues that brought them to custody and are equipped to make positive changes.’

The first Clink Restaurant, at HMP High Down, opened in May 2009. Both restaurants positively promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners and also champion the wealth of quality, fresh and organic produce available locally.

Richard Booty, Governor of HMP Cardiff, said: 

‘This partnership will help us deliver an employment-based scheme to get prisoners work-ready and prepared for released. We are working in partnership with The Clink charity and HMP Prescoed to ensure this opportunity is widely available to prisoners in Wales. The experience of working at The Clink will provide offenders with the skills and attitudes that will help them choose a different direction in life.’

Published 19 September 2012