In a heartwarming display of community spirit, a group of 3M apprentices has generously volunteered their time and expertise to refurbish a stunning steel bench originally crafted by a prisoner as part of the Real Me programme. The initiative highlights the power of collaboration between local businesses, inmates, and the wider community in transforming lives through skill development and supprting the reduction of re-offending.
The bench, a striking piece of craftsmanship, was designed and produced by a prisoner as part of Real Me, a rehabilitation program aimed at helping incarcerated individuals develop valuable skills while fostering personal growth and reintegration into society. The project not only offers a creative outlet for participants but also helps them build confidence and learn trades that could aid them upon their release.
However, after several years of exposure to the elements, the bench had started to show signs of wear. Recognizing the significance of the piece and its potential to inspire, the 3M apprentices, James Graham, Toby Booth and Jack Miller, stepped forward to offer their services, lending their skills in metalworking, welding, and design to bring the bench back to its original beauty.
The refurbishing process was meticulous, with the apprentices carefully stripping away rust and restoring the intricate details of the bench’s steel structure. The group took pride in the opportunity to bring new life to the project, especially given its ties to a program that helps people reclaim their sense of identity and purpose.
The Real Me programme has been a key factor in offering inmates a chance to engage in meaningful work that promotes responsibility and skill-building, setting them on a path to reintegration upon release. By working on projects like this bench, participants not only learn valuable trades, but they also gain the opportunity to give back to their communities.
“This is more than just a refurbishment project for us,” said one of the apprentices. “It’s about supporting a program that helps people make positive changes in their lives, while also preserving the craftsmanship that went into creating this piece. It’s humbling to be part of something that reflects both skill and personal transformation.”
The refurbished bench is now ready to be displayed at a local community space, where it will serve as a symbol of collaboration, growth, and the potential for change. It is a testament to the power of hands-on work, not only for developing practical skills but also for making meaningful connections within society.
This project is just one example of how apprenticeships and partnerships between businesses and community programs can create lasting impacts, and serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting rehabilitation efforts that empower individuals to build better futures.
For 3M, the involvement in the Real Me programme and the restoration of the bench reflects their ongoing commitment to social responsibility, community engagement, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
As this restored bench takes its place in the heart of the community, it will stand as a reminder of what can be achieved when individuals come together to help others find their way and rediscover their potential.