A cooperation between Father Dutkiewicz Hospice in Gdansk and Gdansk Przerobka Penitentiary Institution is the fact that brought French-German ARTE television to Poland. Two journalists from Paris came to Gdansk to see how inmates help as hospice volunteers.

In 2003 a group of convicts from the Gdańsk penitentiary institution worked on construction of one of the hospice buildings – the present Voluntary Centre. Then – as well as today – the convicts worked on many construction sites. Their part in the project would not have been a particularly unique experience if not for one difference. The hospice builders have not
accepted payment for their work.

When the buildings were ready, some of the inmates started to work directly with hospice patients. Now, everyday 8 men from Gdansk's penitentiary institution visit the hospice and 2 or 3 of them help nurses and ward sisters.

Last year the Hospice Foundation from Gdansk started a countrywide "WHAT" programme to promote inmates voluntary service in other hospices. As a result of this programme, a cooperation between hospices and penitentiary institutions has started in a dozen of Polish cities. As a part of this programme, a film "To overcome prejudice" has been made. The film is translated into English. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of the film is requested to contact Piotr Klawsiuc (p.klawsiuc@hospicja.pl, 0048 662 692 843).