A UNIQUE new unit offering support to prisoners was officially opened at Dartmoor Prison on Friday. The Amethyst Unit originally came about to help individuals who had issues of self-harm. Since then it has developed beyond all recognition and now assists prisoners with issues including abuse during childhood and breakdown in relationships between prisoners and their partners or families. The unit, which is the first of its kind to be set up on any prison estate, was opened by south west area manager Jerry Petherick. It aims to treat individuals as human beings, to build self esteem and self-reliance with a view to minimising the likelihood of that person returning to their previous lifestyle. The development has been greatly assisted by the donations from Newton Abbot branches of B&Q, Tesco, BCT and Peacocks as well as Moss Bros in Exeter and Top Man in Plymouth.
