Recommendation 5

HM Government Acknowledged

The COVID-19 pandemic and the regime restrictions introduced in response to it have brought new and different risks to safety. Maintaining safety and the mental health and wellbeing of prisoners has remained a priority throughout the pandemic. A range of products have been made available to support Governors in devising and implementing local safety and welfare plans designed to mitigate these risks. Guidance has been provided on operating the key safety systems in compliance with infection control measures and in the context of staff shortfalls and/or the absence of trained staff. We have tailored guidance for supporting specific groups of people in prison whose wellbeing may be more impacted by COVID-19 measures put in place, including older prison residents, those with learning disabilities and/or autism, transgender residents, and groups known to be at increased risk of self-harm, suicide, or violence. As well as the work set out above to reduce self-harm, we have produced a range of products to support Governors in devising and implementing local safety and welfare plans designed to mitigate risks. This has included: • Resources for staff assisting prison residents who might be struggling, including additional guidance understanding and supporting someone who is self- harming, and tools such as Conversational Playing Cards. • Developing a range of materials for residents themselves to support wellbeing, including a range of in-cell distraction activities. A Wellbeing Plan was created with input from mental health charity Mind, and prison resident focus groups. This is a resident-owned self-help tool that can be used by residents to reflect on their triggers and coping strategies, as well as actions they could take to improve their mood and look after themselves at difficult times. It also provides ideas for in-cell activities aimed at improving wellbeing. The regime mitigations introduced during the first national lockdown will remain in place until Spring 2021. This package aims to help alleviate the impact of restricted regimes. It focuses on the additional support to maintain family contact (additional PIN credit, access to mobile PIN phones and video calls), but also includes free TV, food packs and continuing to par prisoners where infection controls mean they are not able to work. Families can continue to access support and advice from the National Prisoner’s Families Helpline and our Family Service providers continue to provide support and advice for families and significant others across the prison estate.