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The 'Out and About' Project
The ‘Out and About’ project
Region: East of England
Location: HMP Norwich
Delivery partner: Age UK Norwich
Summary
This project, based in HMP Norwich, aims to improve social contact and support for older prisoners and to link them effectively with services in Norwich and the surrounding area to support them on release.
Project type: Service delivery
Project status: Active
Partners:
Project details:
At any one time approximately 10% of prisoners are over 50 years of age and this group is the fastest growing age group in prisons. They are frequently vulnerable; over half of all older prisoners suffer a mental illness, they may be institutionalised, they face low job prospects, few have families to return to and their resettlement can pose significant problems. In addition, prisons –designed for younger, able-bodied prisoners – may struggle to meet their needs.
Launched in May 2011, with an anticipated project duration of 18 months, the ‘Out and About’ project seeks to improve support to older prisoners by:
- Improving social contact and mutual support between and with older prisoners
- Contributing to improving and or maintaining good mental health among older prisoners
- Providing information, advice and liaison support to older prisoners concerning life and opportunities after release
- Providing onward referral and supporting access to support services to enable ex-prisoners to maintain wellbeing and to reduce further contact with the criminal justice system
The model of service delivery is likely to change during the project but will commence with a weekly socialisation and support session for older prisoners and a monthly advice session specifically for prisoners coming up to a release date.
Contact the Central Team to find out more about this project
