Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 631 | 24th April 2020

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In this week's edition...

    CLINKS NEWS: office closed 1st May

    Clinks will be closed on Friday 1st May. Light Lunch will be sent as normal.

    CLINKS NEWS: Covid-19 update

    We continue to update our Covid-19 webpage regularly with the latest news, resources and sources of support. Latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show: 300 prisoners have tested positive for Covid-19 across 69 prisons; 237 prison staff have tested positive across 57 prisons; 10 Prisoner Escort and Custody Services staff have tested positive. The government has announced it will extend testing for Covid-19 to more frontline workers including staff in prisons, Approved Premises, and probation staff. Prison Reform Trust and The Howard League for Penal Reform have sent a formal letter to the Secretary of State for Justice, Robert Buckland, over the government’s failure to respond effectively to the coronavirus pandemic in prisons. Read more here

    CLINKS BLOG: update from Jo Farrar

    In this blog, Jo Farrar, CEO, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) gives an update on what HMPPS is doing to protect staff, delivery partners and the people in its care and supervision during the Covid-19 crisis. She thanks the voluntary sector for offering support through Clinks. “We are extremely grateful for the significant offers of help and support and I would urge you to continue to come forward with ideas for how we can work together during this period.” Read the blog here

    CLINKS EVENTS: online criminal justice network meetings

    Clinks is holding the next series of online criminal justice network meetings next week [28th-30th April, online, free]. These meetings provide an opportunity for organisations to come together to discuss the impact on and responses of services working within the criminal justice system during these challenging times. The meetings will also provide the opportunity to hear from Clinks' policy team as well as a chance to share updates and concerns. The agenda for each meeting will be the same, therefore if you are unable to join the meeting for your geographical area, please feel free to join another. However, please note that the Welsh network meeting will have specific information tailored towards organisations who are delivering services in Wales. Register here

    CLINKS VACANCY: Communications and Digital Engagement Officer, NCJAA

    We are looking for a Communications and Digital Engagement Officer [£27,539 pro rata, part-time, London] to deliver the digital communications and network engagement priorities for the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance. We are seeking a dynamic individual with excellent attention to detail who is confident working on their own initiative as well as collaboratively. This is to replace a permanent role, however in the context of the uncertainty caused by the current Covid-19 situation, we are recruiting this role as a three-month, fixed-term post. We are also open to considering a secondment from a relevant organisation and we can provide flexible working arrangements. This is an interesting and challenging time to join the team and be part of this innovative area of work. Apply before 28th April here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: the experience of Muslims in prison

    Maslaha has launched Time to End the Silence, a report on the experience of Muslim people in prison and their access to voluntary sector services. This report highlights the discrimination and daily challenges that Muslim people face in prison and is especially important as we approach Ramadan during the Covid-19 pandemic. With prisons in lockdown, measures need to be taken to ensure that Muslim prisoners can continue to observe their religion and cultural traditions at this important time. Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service should work closely with Muslim-led voluntary sector organisations to ensure people get the services they need and that the response to Covid-19 does not further exacerbate inequalities in the system. See the full report here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: reach people in prison through prison radio

    National Prison Radio is supporting the voluntary sector by broadcasting messages for organisations who are unable to currently access prisons. The team are happy to help by broadcasting short interviews, news bulletins and adverts. National Prison Radio has become a lifeline for people in prison, as the lockdown has restricted access for projects and services, and residents are confined to cells for over 20 hours per day. Although staff aren’t able to work alongside prisoner colleagues in their studios, they are still broadcasting 24/7 across prisons in England and Wales, offering messages of support, ensuring family members can connect with their loved ones, and keeping the prison population up to date with regime changes and service disruption. Read more here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: letter before action

    Prison Reform Trust and the Howard League for Penal Reform have sent a formal letter before claim to the Secretary of State for Justice, Robert Buckland, over the government’s failure to respond effectively to the coronavirus pandemic in prisons. The letter gives details of a proposed application for judicial review in relation to the Secretary of State’s response “to the obvious need…to substantially reduce the prison population to save lives and avoid a public health catastrophe both within prisons and beyond”. Read more here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: poetry reading

    Koestler Arts has put together a remote poetry reading of a Koestler Award-winning poem from HM Prison La Moye. Koestler Arts staff performed ‘I Built a Rocket Ship’ to spread a bit of joy during these uncertain times and remind people of the incredible talent within our criminal justice system. The deadline for the Koestler Awards has been extended until further notice. During the coronavirus lockdown, Koestler Arts will be sharing a weekly Art Aid sheet with simple activities to help inspire learners in prisons and secure settings. Watch the poetry reading here and see the Art Aid sheets here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: self-help tools

    The Disabilities Trust has produced a series of in-cell, self-help tools for prisoners with a brain injury, as concern grows that prolonged isolation may cause significant anxiety. Research undertaken previously by the Trust found higher rates of anxiety and depression for prisoners with Acquired Brain Injury and this may be exacerbated by people being in cells for up to 23 hours a day, without access to specialist support or usual visits from friends and families. To support these men and women, the Trust has created self-help interventions, addressing some of the cognitive, behavioural, emotional and psychological symptoms of brain injury, which may be heightened during this time. These packs are available for free to all institutions across the criminal justice system. See them here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: financial support and guidance

    The Forward Trust provides financial support and guidance to enterprises that are led by, or create employment opportunities for, people who have been in contact with the criminal justice system and people in recovery from addiction. Its Forward Enterprise Fund provides loans and business support to charities and enterprises that help break the cycle of crime or addiction. For people just starting a business, it runs an Enterprise Support service. If you know someone running a start-up, or who has a bright idea, they can access professional business advice to help develop their plans and get launch-ready. People can also access support to set up a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdfunder with match funding available from Forward. Email Stephen.Anderson@forwardtrust.org.uk to find out more or see here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: young adults in the revolving door

    Revolving Doors Agency has published an evidence briefing New Generation: Preventing young adults being caught in the revolving door. It brings together the latest evidence on young adults in the revolving door and makes the case for targeting resources to them. The volume and churn of young adults who are sucked into the criminal justice system for relatively minor offences highlights the need for a radical new approach. It recommends intervening earlier and stabilising the bridge to adulthood, thus cutting crime and reducing demand on police, the courts, probation, prisons and many other local services. The briefing highlights the critical role of Police and Crime Commissioners and police services in preventing the new generation of young adults entering the revolving door. Read the briefing here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: preventing and managing conflict

    Restorative Thinking has launched its first digital learning resource on preventing and managing conflict, co-produced by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. There are four short learning sessions, which are free to access, and aimed at helping individuals/families affected by the isolation imposed by Covid-19. The sessions are an introduction to restorative and relational thinking - a few techniques that can help people to better manage emotions and stay calm, and to keep communicating in positive ways. Restorative Thinking is also looking for funding partners to co-produce further restorative and relational digital learning programmes, including its 'Parenting without Conflict' and 'Restorative Life Skills' evidence based programmes. If this is of interest, please contact Mrs Lesley Parkinson: lesley@restorativethinking.co.uk. Find the resources here 

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: HMP Eastwood Park Coordinator

    A voluntary sector coordinator is sought for 12 months to strengthen support available to prison leavers and improve attendance at appointments on release from HMP Eastwood Park. The coordinator will develop essential transition links and provide support for prison releases. The resettlement of women released from Eastwood Park is particularly complex due to its wide geographic intake. Suitable organisations will be invited to a virtual interview or to submit a more detailed business plan. As funding is under £40,000 there will be a transparent but informal approach to funding allocation. The deadline for applications is 5pm 7th May. For the EOI form and further details please contact Sophie Baker using the following email address Sophie.BAKER@avonandsomerset.police.uk

    CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: sending money to prisoners

    While restrictions are in place in prisons as well as the wider community, the easiest way for prisoners to receive money into their accounts is online, through the money to prisoner portal from the Ministry of Justice. For friends and family to send money, they will need to have the prisoner number and date of birth of the prisoner they wish to send money to. This service is free, secure and available in most prisons in England and Wales. Find the portal here 

    CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: revised sentencing guidelines for assault offences

    The Sentencing Council is consulting on revised sentencing guidelines for seven assault offences, including common assault and attempted murder, and a new guideline for assault on emergency workers. The Council is proposing changes to the way in which the seriousness of assault offences is assessed. The consultation, which is open until 15th September, has been extended beyond the usual three months in recognition of the changes to many consultees’ working circumstances. Following consultation, definitive guidelines are expected to come into force in 2021. Further details can be found here

    CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: prisoners on temporary release accessing means-tested benefits

    The Department for Work and Pensions has published new guidance for prisoners on temporary release accessing means-tested benefits, including universal credit. The guidance highlights that, from April 2020, while prisoners generally have no entitlement to income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, state pension credit, or universal credit, this does not apply to prisoners temporarily released from a prison in England or Wales. Read more here

    FUNDING: young people in Gloucestershire

    The High Sheriff of Gloucestershire's grants programme supports initiatives working with young people to encourage them to be involved in challenging activities that may deter them from anti-social behaviour, raise confidence and self-esteem, and provide learning and development opportunities in Gloucestershire. Small grants of up to £500 may be fast-tracked and considered within two weeks of receipt. The next deadline is Friday 15th May. Find out more and apply here

    FUNDING: civil society

    The Strengthening Civil Society programme from the Baring Foundation supports effective use of the law and human rights based approaches by civil society in the United Kingdom. Grants of up to £30,000 are available, for up to one year. The programme aims to boost engagement and to support organisations within the broader civil sector to make effective use of the law and human rights based approaches to tackle discrimination and disadvantage. The next deadline is 9am on Wednesday 20th May. Find out more here

    CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

    Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Senior Facilitator & Mentor – SOS+ Service with St. Giles Trust [Hampshire], Support Worker with Changing Lives [Newcastle Upon Tyne], NCJAA Communications and Digital Engagement Officer with Clinks [London], Treasurer with Safe Ground [London], Learning Facilitator - 50% with Weston College [HMP Elmley], Lead Practitioner – Harm Reduction, Prevention & Engagement with Humankind [North East], Development Officer with Clinks [London], Plan Bee volunteer with Apex Charitable Trust Ltd [St. Helens], Team Manager with Career Connect [Liverpool]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

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    EXTRA INFORMATION

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