ADMISSION
Who was John Howard?
John Howard was a prison reformer in the 1700’s. When he was elected to the office of High Sheriff in a county in England, he used his position to investigate the conditions of prisons in England and much of Europe. His activity and reports inspired the House of Commons to pass laws aimed at eradicating conditions which John Howard brought to light. He advocated medical care of prisoners, that food be provided, that prisoners be released when so ordered by the courts, that young prisoners be separated from the old hardened prisoners, that male and female prisoners have separate accommodations, and that prisoners be allowed to work and be active.
The John Howard Society of Victoria
If you are at William Head Institution….
a Manchester House representative interviews at the Institution every Wednesday. An appointment can be booked on the interview form posted beside the boardroom in E Unit or see the representative on Wednesdays, between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
If you are at another Institution...
Write to Kathy Roy, the Director of Manchester House, to introduce yourself, provide some background information, and outline what your release plans would be if you were able to come to the House. An application will then be mailed to you and followed up with an interview when possible.
Manchester House
540 Manchester Road
Victoria, B.C. V8T 2N8
Telephone: (250) 384-1340
Fax: (250) 920-3824
Email:
MANCHESTERHOUSE
A Community Service
Since 1984
The History
Manchester House opened in 1984. The House provides a transition home for people returning to our community from institutions. The House is owned and operated by the John Howard Society of Victoria, founded in 1935. We provide a structured environment and moral support to afford residents an opportunity to become contributing members of society.
The House
The House itself is a large renovated home, centrally located in Victoria. It is near shopping facilities and main bus routes, with good connections to Camosun College. It is within walking distance to our John Howard Society employment office and the city.
The House accommodates up to fifteen residents. There are nine single rooms and three doubles. Twelve beds are contracted to the Correctional Service of Canada for parolees. A three-bed program also operates out of the House for individuals who have come in conflict with the law and have experienced psychiatric problems, but are stabilized and ready to return to the community.
The Program
Most people who come to Manchester are trying to make changes, so as to make a better adjustment to living back in the community. Anyone involved in trying to
make changes experiences ups and downs. Each resident has a counsellor assigned for
one-to-one counselling, however, any of the staff are available to all residents. The staff
at the House are there to provide moral support, to listen and to assist in any way they can to help residents make the changes they desire. We also believe in an individual’s accountability to the conditions of their release and the goals they have set for themselves. Manchester House is a place to work at what you hope to accomplish; it is not a place to “do your time”.
The overall program at Manchester House is designed to reflect the philosophies of accountability and aspiring to independent living. The realities of the day-to-day living at the House and eventually in the community become the core of the program:
dealing with addictions
preparing nutritional meals
budgeting money
scheduling appointments
securing employment
attending school
trying new recreational activities
attending community programs
sorting out relationships
developing new friendships
communal housekeeping
Upon arrival to the House a ‘welcome kit’ which includes the basic necessities and a bus pass is given. Residents meet with their parole officer and staff to review their special conditions and House rules.
Residents are required to keep their own rooms clean and organized, to clean kitchens andbathrooms after personal use, and to assist in the general chores of the House. Residents are responsible to shop for and prepare their own meals. There are two fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and wireless internet access for residents use. A living allowance is given to unemployed residents and those who are attending school. All residents receive access to an affordable gym membership at the YMCA. In the House there are bi-weekly nutrition classes and community development evenings as well asweekly Twelve Step meetings for residents who wish to attend.
A House dinner and meeting is held on the last Tuesday of every month and attendance is mandatory. Escorted temporary absences (ETA’s) are invited to attend the monthly dinner to meet the staff and tour the House.
Gelling Manor
We strive to assist our residents beyond Manchester House and realize the difficulties experienced in trying to find affordable and clean accommodations in Victoria. Gelling Manor is owned by the John Howard Society of Victoria and is located on the property beside Manchester House. It offers unstaffed, temporary accommodations at a reasonable rent to successful graduates of Manchester House. The general length of stay at Gelling Manor is six months to one year depending on the request and needs of the individual.