The Northern Ireland Prison Service, Probation Board and Youth Justice Agency will invite prisoners, prison staff, probation officers and youth justice workers to take part in the Diamond Challenge next month.

They will choose a “challenge”, physical or otherwise, and raise funds for the DofE and NI Children’s Hospice while working towards it.

Sue McAllister, director-general of the NI Prison Service (pictured), launched the initiative at Hydebank Wood College alongside Catherine Maguire and Mark Nicholson of the Probation Board and Michael Heaney of the Youth Justice Agency.

Ms McAllister said the initiative “encourages students, prisoners and staff from the partner organisations to take up a personal or team challenge for a great cause”.

She added: “It is important that people who have come into contact with the justice system are given the opportunity to give something back to society and the money raised from the challenges will help to support the local charities.”

Valerie Pitman, DofE manager, said: “Over several decades many prisoners have benefitted from their participation in the DofE.

“This has provided them with new skills, improved fitness and enhanced their employment prospects.”

Ms Pitman added: “The Challenge is an opportunity to promote the DofE and raise much needed funds to extend the reach of the programme in Northern Ireland.

“In sharing the funds raised with the NI Children’s Hospice the criminal justice sector is also helping young people in the community.”