FRIENDS OF GUYS MARSH
(Charity number 1104063)

What is Guys Marsh?

HMP Guys Marsh is a training prison for nearly 600 adult male prisoners just outside Shaftesbury.

Who are the Friends of Guys Marsh?

FOGM is a charity that aims to reduce re-offending by helping the prisoners at our local prison to sustain their family ties, address their problems and become effective citizens when they are released. Our President is the author Fay Weldon and we are a Board of Trustees and Committee members who share an interest in criminal justice and the rehabilitation and resettlement of offenders.

What does FOGM actually do?

We raise funds through donations from individuals and organizations in order to provide the sort of measures that help to reduce re-offending which the prison service is unable to provide.

·        We fund drug and alcohol abuse preventative courses.

·        We make sure there is a friendly presence and refreshments for the families who visit.

·        Toys and resources for children and families in the visits’ room inside the prison have been bought by FOGM.

·        Guys Marsh is a difficult place to get to for families so we provide transport from Gillingham station.

·        Family days, recordings of bedtime stories and parenting course resources have all been supported by FOGM. These help prisoners to learn to be better parents, breaking the cycle of offending behaviour.

·        We organize well-supported and enjoyable fund-raising events. 

Why should I help prisoners when there are so many worthy charities that deserve support?

Crime and re-offending damage us all – there is a huge cost to the economy, to individuals, to families and children and to society as a whole. By working with the Governor and staff at Guys Marsh FOGM has been able to help people turn their lives around and become contributing members of our community.

 The Prison Service is fully stretched so the contributions FOGM provides really do make a difference.

How can I help?

·        By becoming a Friend of Guys Marsh.  Join us for a year and receive a newsletter, invitations to our Annual Party and fund-raising events. Send a cheque to the Treasurer, FOGM, c/o Lymburghs Farm, Marnhull, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1HN. Our minimum subscription is £10 or any other amount you can donate to help us in our worthwhile aims.

·        Volunteer to help at one of our FOGM events.

·        Contact the Chairman of the Trustees to find out more: f.cowley@virgin.net 

We look forward to welcoming you as a Friend of Guys Marsh