CHW Partners with the United Nations and the Ministry of Justice of Sint Maarten to Deliver Transformational Sports Programme
- Jayne O'Keefe
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
Community Health & Wellbeing (CHW) is proud to announce a new international partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Justice of Sint Maarten to deliver a structured physical education and sporting programme at Pointe Blanche House of Detention.
This exciting collaboration represents another significant milestone in CHW's mission to improve health, wellbeing and rehabilitation within correctional settings across the world.
While physical activity is at the heart of the programme, its purpose extends far beyond fitness alone. Structured sport has long been recognised as a powerful catalyst for positive change, helping to improve mental health, reduce tension, develop resilience, build discipline and restore self-worth. These outcomes not only create safer, healthier prison environments but also support successful rehabilitation and better outcomes when individuals return to their communities.
Drawing on more than 40 years of combined frontline experience delivering physical education and wellbeing programmes within the UK prison system—including some of the country's most complex and challenging environments—the CHW team is honoured to share its knowledge and expertise internationally.
However, this partnership is very much a collaborative journey.
As much as we bring our experience to Sint Maarten, we firmly believe this is a two-way exchange. By working closely with local professionals and organisations, we have the opportunity to learn from their experience, understand the unique challenges they face and develop solutions together that create meaningful, lasting impact.
A key element of the programme's success lies in the strength of these local partnerships. Working alongside dedicated professionals on the ground ensures the programme is built on local knowledge, trusted relationships and a shared commitment to sustainable change. Real progress happens when international expertise is combined with local ownership, creating solutions that continue to deliver benefits long into the future.
The programme has been carefully designed to align with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, more commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. These internationally recognised standards identify access to exercise, recreation and healthcare as essential components of humane and rehabilitative custody. The initiative also directly supports the Ministry of Justice of Sint Maarten's commitment to improving health, wellbeing and positive outcomes for those within its care.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our partners at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Ministry of Justice of Sint Maarten and all of our local collaborators for their trust, shared vision and commitment to creating positive change.
It is a privilege to work alongside organisations that are equally passionate about rehabilitation, health and human potential.
This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to sharing regular updates as the programme develops.
Follow our progress from the week commencing 5 July as we provide behind-the-scenes insights, stories from the ground and the impact this partnership is already beginning to make.
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