30/05/2023
Police Oracle
The RECOOP charity was set up over 8 years ago to specifically support the older prisoner population and meet their differing needs
Many of us will remember fondly Norman Stanley Fletcher, Ronnie Barker’s role in the BBC comedy Porridge. His cheeky, stereotypical, older prisoner character enjoyed notoriety, kudos and the ability to make life inside far more manageable.
Many members of the public still visualise prison life to be just the same for ‘old lags’ today. If only they knew how stark and different reality is for the ever increasing older prison population. It’s been the fastest growing prison group for the last 20 years. In just over 12 years it will have grown by 200%.
The older population is defined as those over 50 years of age. The increase is part of a trend resulting from changes in attitudes within society and the CJS, coupled with an ageing population with a higher life expectancy. To date, very few additional resources have been made available to meet the needs of this particular group of incarcerated individuals, either within or outside of our prisons. There is substantial evidence to suggest that this group suffer greater health problems than the general population, with many of them having health characteristics typical of someone aged ten years older who has not been in prison.
Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has a growing complex challenge. Both the NHS and Local Authorities are struggling with the pressures caused by hospital discharge delays where patients require additional support to maintain their independence once they go home. Imagine the perfect storm when you consider a similar case released from prison. Add the challenges of residing in a Victorian prison, a long sentence, limited activity and accommodation options on release. These are just a few of the aggravators impacting on this older population.
The RECOOP charity was set up over 8 years ago to specifically support this population and meet their differing needs. Initially the charity worked to support those with health and mobility vulnerabilities, being subject to abuse, manipulation and bullying. This is a group that tend not to grumble or moan and who are recognised by the World Health Organisation as being ‘under served.’ The charity now works in nearly ten prisons nationally providing a range of support services including day centres, mental health and well-being clinics, older workshops, resettlement training courses and in-cell distraction packs. Last year we had over 35,000 visits through our prison services.
Up to 90% have at least one moderate or severe health condition, with more than 50% having three or more. (MOJ 2018)
RECOOP developed a prisoner buddy support service and following the introduction of the 2014 Care Act formalised the training and adapted the national Care Certificate modules to fit a prison setting.
The main objective is to empower and support vulnerable individuals to control and maintain their independence, good health and well-being. This has increased both confidence and self-esteem, promoting better mental health with reduced anxiety and increasing resilience.
We’re seen a continual demand for this support, but more troubling is the number of Buddies that are now supporting individuals with palliative and end of life care (EOLC). We’re seeing an increase in those being sentenced later in life for the first time and arrive resigned to the fact that they will die in custody. The weight of this emotionally and psychologically is detrimentally impacting on both their physical and mental health. They have a very ‘different sense of time’.
To date the charity has trained over 200 Buddies in over ten prisons. In one prison there are ten who have also trained as Dementia Friends. The impact of the training and role on those delivering it has been staggering. The charity has now developed new EOLC and bereavement training modules and is working with prison partners and external organisations to offer a clinical supervision service for the Buddies.
Here are some testimonials from people involved in the scheme:
‘My Buddy provides the help and support I need to maintain health and hygiene. He covers the day to day tasks I’m unable to do such as cleaning my cell thoroughly and making my bed. He helps at meal times and ensures that I have water, as I scold myself. My Buddy is aware of the difficulties I have and he encourages me to maintain personal hygiene and takes me to another wing so that I can use the disabled showers.’ (Prisoner quote)
‘Working as a Buddy here has been a brilliant experience and one that I would and will recommend to everyone. I have been in prison for more than two decades and worked within the prison estate in many different roles during my time inside. Working as a Buddy has changed my life and in doing so has given me a new lease of life which I never thought possible. Being able to help other prisoners, many who have very complex needs, disabilities and illnesses has given me so much more from life that I never knew existed to be fulfilled in this way gets me out of bed in the morning with a head and heart full of purpose and eager to start the day.’
‘The effect that I have on my client’s daily lives is so important that I can’t not go to work, all those little things that able bodied prisoners take for granted, they just can’t do these simple daily tasks that I help with, cost me nothing, yet how they make me feel is priceless. I feel valued for the first time in my life and now have purpose to the long days in here. I use to feel a bit sorry for myself, a little worthless and more than a little depressed on the occasional day, but working as a Buddy has helped me put everything back in perspective, it’s given me Life! I never knew that I could feel this good about myself just by helping others.’
RECOOP will continue to campaign, lobby and develop support interventions for this prison group. Without a national strategy for this population it will an ongoing struggle.
In light of the pressing challenges faced by older prisoners, RECOOP, in collaboration with Red Snapper Recruitment, has launched an ambitious recruitment campaign. This campaign seeks to fill a range of essential positions within RECOOP's support services, enabling individuals to contribute directly to transforming lives within the prison system. If you are eager to make a meaningful impact and join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering vulnerable individuals, we invite you to explore the diverse job opportunities available at RECOOP. Visit here to discover how you can become part of this vital initiative and contribute to positive change in the lives of older prisoners.