As part of The Ruffy Swag Project, men at Beechworth Correctional Centre make swag backpacks to be distributed to the community for people sleeping rough.
The program launched in December 2023 and is a partnership between Corrections Victoria, Uniting Vic.Tas and Carevan.
Two men work in the program full time, with the additional men volunteering one day a week.
Under the guidance of community volunteers, the participating men at Beechworth Prison sew the waterproof, lightweight canvas and foam mattress swags.
The two full-time volunteers were trained by a community volunteer with extensive experience with industrial sewing machines. They learned how to thread the machines, basic mechanical maintenance and how to cut and sew the pattern for the swags together.
The two full-time volunteers now train and oversee the other participants, teaching them how to read and cut patterns and use industrial sewing machines and overlockers.
Joe’s story
The Ruffy Swag program didn’t initially appeal to Joe* but when he discovered who he’d be helping, he was all in.
As a full-time volunteer on the program, Joe has benefited from the experience in a range of ways – not least of which is the sense of purpose he gets from helping others.
‘The reason I’m doing this program is to gain sewing skills, but also to help those who are homeless have somewhere dry and warm to sleep.’
‘I love doing it.’
*Name changed to prevent identification.
Benefits to participants
This program teaches participants valuable sewing, textile and even basic mechanical maintenance skills that will enhance their chances of ongoing employment once they leave prison.
The full-time volunteers are also learning how to teach others the skills they have learned.
The soft skills, like teamwork and communication, as well as the confidence participants gain, are also valuable in helping them reintegrate successfully.
Rehabilitation and reintegration programs play a vital role in helping people to break the cycle of re-offending. Ensuring people leave prison with a skill or trade and connections to the community means they are less likely to reoffend.
Anh’s story
Anh* has worked in textile and clothing manufacturing for about 30 years so was an excellent choice for the Ruffy Swag Program.
While in another prison, he was able to make more than 5000 masks to support the Covid 19 response.
He’s been designated as a leader on the Ruffy Swag program, which means he is overseeing and training other prisoners to make the swags.
‘I am happy I was given the opportunity to help homeless people by sewing these sleeping bags.’
‘I know that these will help keep them warm – which is so important while they are living outside during the cold weather.’
*Name changed to prevent identification.
Benefits to the community
The Ruffy Swag Project helps people in the Victoria and New South Wales border region, where homeless rates have risen by nearly 30% since 2016.
The swags are designed to protect those sleeping rough from all weather conditions, giving them a safe and dry space of their own that they can take with them anywhere.
Since the launch of the program, the men at Beechworth have made more than 50 swags to be distributed.
George’s story
When George* arrived at Beechworth in January, he was keen to work on a sewing project.
Having struggled with homelessness himself, the Ruffy Swags Project means a lot to him.
As one of two full-time volunteers on the project, George has thrived. He enjoys the privilege of helping those in need and knowing that his handy work is helping to keep others warm and dry.
He would like to continue working on a similar project on the ‘outside’ and is seeking funding support towards that endeavour.
‘This program has helped me more than anyone will ever know – so for that alone, I thank everyone involved and I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity.’
*Name changed to prevent identification.
Who can participate
Prisoners with good behaviour and an interest in working with textiles can apply for the program.
It is a privilege and only a select number of prisoners are eligible.
Abraham's story
Abraham* has also been able to learn life long skills on the Ruffy Swag Project, while also feel a strong sense of friendship and accomplishment.
‘Being involved in the Ruffy Swag program has given me lifelong skills that I can apply to the real world.’
‘It fills me with a sense of accomplishment to be able to help people less fortunate. I enjoy being up in the shed as all the people I work with on the project are invested in this project.’
‘I’ve made friends along the way and it has helped me with my mental health while I'm incarcerated.'
*Name changed to prevent identification.
Funding
The Ruffy Swag Project is a community initiative that is funded by the community.
There is a total of $60,000 in funding available and the program is expected to run into 2025.
Contact
Enquiries about this program can be directed to Beechworth Correctional Centre.