VETERAN journalist Kate Adie yesterday hosted a special Question Time event at YOI Portland.

The event was held at the YOI’s chapel to celebrate the fundraising work of a group of mixed faith leaders who volunteered to get locked up for the night for charity.

The group spent a night in the cells at the YOI back in November to raise money for Footprints, a charity which helps mentor and befriend men and women leaving prison in the Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire area.

The lock-in event raised more than £10,000 for the charity, and the Question Time event was based on their experiences and reflections.

Former BBC journalist Kate Adie is a patron of the charity and hosted the event and both prisoners and visitors put their questions to the panel about their experience.

The discussion ranged from first impressions of prison, to the wider issue of what can be done to reduce reoffending and encourage rehabilitation.

Ms Adie said that as a journalist she had been to ‘all sorts of places’ and people outside tended to react in amazement.

She said: “It’s just another bunch of human beings in slightly different circumstances.”

She added: “I hope a session like this gives us not just hope but intentions, to improve life for everyone.”

Footprints chief executive Jane Barkes said they were ‘extremely grateful’ to the governor and staff at the YOI for their help with the lock-in and Question Time event.

Governor of the YOI James Lucas said: “I was particularly pleased to see such positive interaction between the prisoners and those who attended, so they can leave with an accurate reflection of what life is like in Portland prison.”

Footprints is in need of volunteer mentors and befrienders to join its team. For more information click here.