HMP WAKEFIELD Committed to Meeting the needs of older prisoners and responding to the challenge of an aging prison population.
Introduction to HMP Wakefield Maximum Security Prison within the High Security Estate. Established as a prison on this site for over 400 years. * Operational capacity of 763 prisoners. Role as of 11:15 hours 30 th September 2014 = 747 with 146 Category A’s & 1 High Risk. *
High Security Prisons Age Breakdown High Security Prisons Population Breakdown at July 2014: *
Facts & Figures In comparison with other High Security Estates HMP Wakefield had the oldest population with 44.1% of prisoners over the age of 50! This comes as no surprise given HMP Wakefield’s large sex offender population. Breakdown of age groups at HMP Wakefield at July 2014: 18-20= = = = = = = =33
HMP Wakefield Age Breakdown July 2014
How old is Elderly… Community Retirement age = 68 Custody The Chief Inspector of Prisons describes the older prisoner to be 50+ *
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield cont…. GYMNASIUM SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB Variety of games. Opportunity to relax. Socialise and interact Refreshments. Activities & some gym equipment available. Supervised in an informal manner with Physical Education Instructors.
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield cont…. GYMNASIUM COGNITIVE SKILLS GROUP Main aim is to help delay the onset of Alzheimer's & Dementia. Play games that require the prisoner to ‘think’. Dominoes/Scrabble/Puzzles/Word searches Commenced July Number of attendees steadily increasing. Social interaction/personal hygiene & appearance. Tea/coffee/biscuits available
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield cont…. GYMNASIUM & HEALTHCARE JOINT INITIATIVE: Cardiac care group Not specific to the older population but they do pose a higher health risk. A programme for prisoners with heart problems. 15 week programme. Tests every session by Healthcare staff. Modified exercise programme specific to strengthening the heart. Other aerobic exercises available. Recovery period before returning to the wing STRICT CRITERIA, THE INDIVIDUALS CONDITION MUST BE STABLE.
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield cont…. CORE DAY UNLOCK The prison regime has been adapted to offer ‘core day unlock’ to older retired or disabled prisoners who do not wish to attend off wing activities or paid work. Gives an opportunity to: Interact with peers. Additional time to use showering facilities etc. Additional time to engage with wing staff.
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield Cont…. Introduction of Wing Carers. The wing carer role is part of the reasonable adjustments that HMP Wakefield has made to improve the quality of care towards disabled or elderly prisoners.
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield Cont…. Wing carer duties: Collect meals / fill flask Collect canteen / medication Collect mail/Any other reasonable tasks Pick up and return laundry Sweep & mop floor of cell, empty bins Push wheelchair if and when necessary Report any difficulties or concerns to staff or the Equalities team
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield Cont…. Wing Carer Work compact Carers Duties form - signed by carer, prisoner and witnessed by Equalities staff Attend work regularly and when required with a positive attitude Wear appropriate clothing and be well presented Follow staff instructions Undertake Induction Training for the workplace, including Health and Safety Accreditation Behave in a professional, safe and respectful manner at all times Undertake further training and qualifications appropriate to the workplace Sign individual workplace compact Each carer cares for up to 4 others dependant upon their needs
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield cont…. Creating an Enabling Environment The single most important initiative for HMP Wakefield in 2014 The achievement of a Rehabilitation Culture and the Restoration of Hope
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield cont…. Creating an Enabling Environment Where people live and work for a purpose. Safe place to develop a positive attitude, share experiences and ideas. Develop strong, trusting, respectful relationships. Encourage a learning environment to develop and flourish. Improve relationships for all involved Diminish negativity
Opportunities/activities for the older population at HMP Wakefield cont…. Creating an Enabling Environment Where next for HMP Wakefield? Residential “Enablers” to support the work and liaise across the establishment. Establish Rehabilitation Panel. Deliver ongoing prisoner/staff events to “spread the word” and harness ideas “Restoring Hope and Supporting Progression”
…..The future for the elderly at HMP Wakefield concludes. Thank you for your time.