Last week I was pleased to join Malcolm Pein, CEO of Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC) in Parliament to hear about the work they’re doing promoting chess in the prison system for inmates. Malcolm is an International Chess Master who I have know for many years and have supported with CSC. I played chess competitively myself as a child and know how important it can be for learning strategic thinking, enhancing memory and improving focus.
CSC run their successful Prisons Programme across 15 prisons and youth offending institutions. Over 40 tutors and volunteers run weekly chess clubs across the county. Chess acts as a therapeutic, engaging activity that promotes calm, discipline and improved decision-making, which helps to reduce violence.
Inmates can also take part in a smaller and faster Speed Chess version of the game, which reduces the number of pieces and emphasises intuition and quick decision-making. I was pleased to hear that taking part in chess clubs also helps to reduce re-offending rates.