Chairman of the charity PrisonWorks Marcia Brabbs has been presented with a ’Points of Light’ award.

The award recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a difference to their community. One is given out every week day by the UK Prime Minister and Marcia is the 782nd recipient.

She had no idea her name had been put forward, so was ’stunned’ to get a call from Theresa May’s office. ’I was expecting a call about renting a holiday cottage!’ she said.

Marcia explained the Prison Fellowship charity operated from 1972 and grew into PrisonWorks, with a wider remit, in May 2012.

Her involvement was partly inspired by her own negative experience. ’I got pulled over for drink driving, in 2011,’ she said. ’I was treated very badly by police. I thought: "What are you doing?" I have respect for police officers.

’The police have made massive changes since then, (chief constable) Gary Roberts has made changes about the treatment of people.’

She saw a notice in her church (Broadway Baptist) newsletter for the charity and attended an afternoon tea; it’s now an integral part of her life.

The charity has run 15 programmes on restorative justice and victim awareness, also mentoring for ex-offenders and those at risk of offending, and helps parents in prison to stay connected with their children. They also transport visitors to Jurby and give accommodation where needed.

It’s all focussed on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community, helping them find jobs and accommodation once they finish their sentences

Marcia, from Onchan, and her team of 12 volunteers also do prison visits every other Sunday. She even has keys to the prison. She gives around 10 hours a week to the charity.

The impact - though difficult to quantify - must be substantial. Communication is facilitated by her candour about the challenges she has faced in life.

’I tell them I had two abusive relationships and my son (Dosch MacLeod) died in a car accident three years ago aged 17. They said: "If you can get through that then I can too". You respect them, they respect you.

’Restorative justice has a ripple effect. They may have never thought about the impact of their crime through, it’s asking for forgiveness from society, the victim, themselves. My clients are very generous, caring people.’

PrisonWorks is on 327930.