Prisons Week takes place every year in October to raise awareness and generates prayer. It motivates volunteers to step forward and give their time and gifts, in prisons and in their own communities. It provides an annual focus and reason to work together, building capacity and motivation to make a difference for people who are out of sight and often out of mind.

In this episode of Probation Matters, Probation's Deputy Head of Communications Lisa Maginnis talks to Clare, one of our Prison based Area Managers based in Hydebank. She talks to Lisa about the issues, challenges, and the belief she has for people, even after committing crime, have the potential to change their lives for safer communities.

Probation can also be found on X(Twitter) and Facebook as @PBNINews; on Instagram at @PBNI.News; and on YouTube at @ProbationBoardNI.

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October to highlight the importance of our mental health

Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond it, why not check in with your friends, family, peers, or colleagues?

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. This year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities. Find out more at www.mentalhealth.org.uk

In this episode of Probation Matters, Probation's Head of Communications Gail McGreevy chats to our Principal Psychologist Michael McCracken about the importance of our mental health, both t home and in the workplace and how it is good to take a moment to talk about how you are feeling with someone.

In Northern Ireland we have services like Mind and Inspire Wellbeing. We also have a Mental Health Champion and you can find out more about mental health resources on their Take A Moment. Start a Conversation campaign page.

If you are having issues with your mental health you can contact your local GP or Samaritans or Lifeline.

Probation can also be found on X(Twitter) and Facebook as @PBNINews; on Instagram at @PBNI.News; and on YouTube at @ProbationBoardNI.

Hidden Heroes Day takes place every year on 25 September to celebrate the people working in Probation, Prisons and Youth Justice to keep our communities safe. It is organised by the Butler Trust and they have a website to highlight the day at www.hiddenheroes.uk.

In this episode of Probation Matters, Probation's Deputy Head of Communications Lisa Maginnis talks to Leona, one of our Probation Officers based in our Prisons team. She talks to Lisa about the issues, challenges, and positives of working within a Prison and of the work she does in Probation to change lives for safer communities.

Probation can also be found on X(Twitter) and Facebook as @PBNINews; on Instagram at @PBNI.News; and on YouTube at @ProbationBoardNI.