A native of the Bansha is deeply involved in a project to help prisoners in Cork to find employment when they leave prison. JJ Healy who currently lectures in MTU offers a Culinary Skills Practical Course over 8 weeks in the prison complex. The course ends with a Pop Up Restaurant called the “Open Door” when prospective employers from hotels and restaurants are invited to attend.
The programme has been running for 5 years and Mr Healy says every participant receives a job offer. In some cases, the job can come with accommodation or help in finding accommodation which helps the person to have a fresh start. The course is limited to 6 persons but is always oversubscribed by people in custody looking to find a new path.
The project is a collaboration between the Irish Prison Service, the Department of Tourism & Hospitality at Munster Technological University and the Irish Association for Social Inclusion Opportunities(IASIO). Past graduates of the program are now working in hotels and restaurants nationwide, gaining even more skills and qualifications, ensuring their jobs are sustainable and well-paid, proving that people leaving prison are valued by employers.
On Friday May 16th Mr Healy will provide a meal and give a talk about the Open Door programme in Templeneiry Church in Bansha commencing at 7.30pm – call 062 56331 to book a place. There is no admission charge as the food and wine is being sponsored by Mr Healy and an anonymous donor. Proceeds raised from a raffle on the night and any donations will go towards the upkeep of Templeneiry church which is now used for a wide range of community events.
