AN Australian Buddhist nun who spent 14 years working with prisoners around the world, including many on death row, will be speaking in Corsham next week.

The Venerable Robina Courtin will visit the Corsham Almshouses on Wednesday and take questions following a screening of Chasing Buddha, a film about her life.

She founded the Liberation Project, which now involves 200 volunteer teachers addressing the spiritual needs of more than 1,000 prisoners through letters, visits and phone calls.

She said: “The vast majority of inmates who write to us are male, poor, estranged from their families and have histories of drug and alcohol abuse.

“Their lives are dominated by violence and suffering and many have been involved in street and prison gangs.

“Prison forces you to find the truth of your situation.

“These men and women have an intense desire to transform their minds, and this is done by teaching them meditation.”

The screening has been organised by Lam Rim Wilts and Glos Buddhists, and will take place at 7.30pm. Seating is limited, so it is recommended to book in advance, on (01249) 715152, or lamrimwg@gmail.com