Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 632 | 1st May 2020

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In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: Covid-19 updates

The government has announced it will extend Covid-19 testing to essential workers and members of their households with symptoms, including frontline charity workers and prison and probation staff. The Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service have released further details of the End of Custody Temporary Release scheme and guidance on compassionate release on temporary licence during Covid-19. They have also released an interim assessment of strategies implemented in prison in response to Covid-19. Latest figures show: 341 prisoners have tested positive for Covid-19 across 72 prisons; 364 prison staff have tested positive across 64 prisons; and 11 Prisoner Escort and Custody Services staff have tested positive. Find all the latest updates and resources here

CLINKS BLOG: continued uncertainty

128 voluntary sector organisations took our second survey on Covid-19. The results build up an even more detailed picture of the challenges and experiences of the sector. Findings include: the vast majority of organisations have had to reduce service provision; the sector remains uncertain about furloughing staff; organisations face barriers in applying for government support. 43% organisations told us they do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial support from the government. This was the largest reported barrier to applying for support. To help us monitor how the voluntary sector in criminal justice is surviving during this time, track the changes it’s going through, and meet the needs of organisations, we are conducting this survey every other week. Read more here

CLINKS SURVEY: how are you coping?

If you're a voluntary organisation working in the criminal justice system, we need to hear from you. Take 10 minutes to complete our third Covid-19 impact survey so we can help the government, funders and other decision makers understand what you're experiencing, and advocate for your needs during this difficult time. The survey closes on Friday 1st May. Take it here

CLINKS EVENT: chat over lunch

Following our successful first tea and biscuits webinar, Clinks’ Membership team would like to invite you to a chat over lunch [11th May, 1-2pm | online | free | members only]. The future is looking uncertain for many of us. You are likely to be trying to deliver your services remotely, with fewer staff and in unknown environments. Clinks is here to listen. Join us with any worries you may have, share your stresses and concerns, and find out some information, especially if you haven’t managed to join one of our Covid-19 network meetings. We’d also like to share some positive stories, of solutions that are working well. Bring your lunch, or tea and biscuits. Book here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: response to letter

The government’s lawyers have responded to Prison Reform Trust and the Howard League for Penal Reform’s letter before claim threatening judicial review proceedings. In the lead-up to the response, information has been made publicly accessible, as was requested. This includes: the Covid-19 population management strategy for prisons; the policies underpinning release; and operational guidance on prisons’ exceptional regime and service delivery. The letter brings together the totality of action that the government says it is taking and provides some clarification as to its current plans. While it is not a complete answer to their concerns, the information provided means that it will not be necessary for Prison Reform Trust and the Howard League to proceed to a judicial review. Read more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: pregnant women and new mothers

Birth Companions has been commissioned to provide specialist services to pregnant women and new mothers before, during and after release from prison amidst the Covid-19 outbreak. The partnership with NHS England’s Liaison and Diversion Programme will allow the charity’s staff and volunteers to provide women with informational, emotional and practical support via phone, online and postal services, including access to specialist midwives. Birth Companions will also offer ongoing support and guidance to the Liaison and Diversion workers and other professionals responsible for helping women navigate release and access services across the country in the coming months. For further information regarding the service or Birth Companions’ wider work in response to Covid-19 please contact info@birthcompanions.org.uk or see here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Ramadan during lockdown

Maslaha has produced a series of films featuring imams and health professionals giving religious and medical advice on observing Ramadan during lockdown. They provide specific advice around particular health conditions such as diabetes and heart conditions, as well as the basics of health during Ramadan, and mental health and wellbeing. These resources might be particularly helpful for organisations working with Muslim prisoners and their families who are concerned about how current prison regimes might affect their ability to observe Ramadan appropriately as well as those being released during this time. Find them here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: letter writing to women in prison

Clean Break and It’s Not Your Birthday But… have joined together to launch Write 2 Connect, a letter writing project connecting women through the prison walls with women in the community sharing words of inspiration, hope and solidarity. They are inviting women from all corners of the UK and from all walks of life to write messages to women in prison. Sharing something that is personal to you and offering hope to another person is a gift which everyone can afford, and which can remind us in difficult moments like the one we currently face, that we are connected, we are part of a wider community and we are valued. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: time to shine

Given the current Covid-19 emergency, the Junction 42 team has adapted to the lockdown by implementing new and innovative ways of engaging clients - both in prison and in the community - and using a variety of art and craft materials as tools to promote mental wellbeing, provide a positive focus and a creative outlet. They have been given the opportunity to circulate 12,000 in-cell Christian worship packs to every prison in England and Scotland - all made possible in-house by their team of staff and volunteers who have helped to develop and produce all these packs in a very short period of time. For stories and photos, visit their Facebook page here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: wellbeing during lockdown

ABL health has produced a Lockdown Survival Guide which brings together links to resources, tools and ideas to support wellbeing during this difficult time. The guide is themed around the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connect; keep learning; be active; take notice; and give. In includes activity ideas for adults and children of all ages. Take a look here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: free confidential service for BAME women

PLIAS Resettlement is part of a consortium of 12 women’s organisations across London supporting women fleeing domestic abuse and other harmful practices. PLIAS is supporting black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) women as part of the consortium, particularly African Caribbean women and girls. The project provides a free online, sensitive, coordinated service to address and end harmful practices and violence, including domestic and sexual abuse, forced marriage, honour based abuse, faith based abuse or FGM, living across Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham and Harrow. Find more information and a referral form here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: support for veterans

RIFT Social Enterprise has launched a campaign highlighting that veterans could be entitled to claim £1000s back in unpaid travel claims via HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). If your organisation works with veterans who have served within the last four years, RIFT Social Enterprise can pursue a claim on their behalf. The campaign is being championed by the Veterans’ Gateway, the government-funded website which acts as a first point of contact for veterans seeking support. More details can be found here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: counselling for recently released parents

Relate has been awarded an extension to funding to be able to continue to offer its Being Parents First programme to families throughout 2020. The programme offers free Relate relationship support for men and women who are parents and are due for release or have been recently released from sentence, with their partners or ex-partners. The aim is to reduce conflict between parents and improve relationships for the good of the children, while supporting the resettlement of families. Relate is continuing to support people during the Covid-19 pandemic, with counselling through video, live chat and phone, which are proving very successful. Referral into the service can be made via 0300 003 0270 or by sending an online referral form here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: population management strategy for prisons

An interim assessment of the strategies implemented in prison in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been published by the government. There were three primary strategies: first to enhance social distancing by stopping all visits and restricting movement of people within prisons; second to identify and protect the most vulnerable to Covid-19; and third to compartmentalise the prison estate. This included establishing protective isolation and shielding units and units for new entries into prison. Initial data indicates that there have not been ‘explosive outbreaks’ of Covid-19 in prisons, as had been feared. Evidence suggests once a specific outbreak in a prison has been contained, new infections have been driven primarily by new receptions into prison and possibly by infected staff working in prisons. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: early release scheme guidance

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) have released guidance on the End of Custody Temporary Release scheme (ECTR) which was introduced as part of their response to Covid-19. The scheme enables risk-assessed prisoners, who are within two months of their release date, to be temporarily released from custody, as part of the national approach to managing public services during this challenging period. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: compassionate release

In addition to the End of Custody Temporary Release (ECTR) scheme, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) have released guidance on the use of compassionate release on temporary licence (ROTL) during Covid-19. Those who are not eligible for the ECTR scheme, but who may be particularly affected by the direct or indirect consequences of Covid-19 - because they are either pregnant, residing with their babies in custody, or defined as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ - merit consideration for temporary release under a Special Purpose Licence. It is the duty of prisons to take active steps to identify individuals in the groups mentioned and invite them to apply for ROTL. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: the operation of scrutiny organisations

Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) will predominantly carry out remote monitoring during this time but members may carry out limited visiting within Public Health England guidelines. Prisoners in 13 prisons across England will be able to raise concerns on a confidential, free hotline as part of a pilot scheme from IMB. Lay Observers has set up a remote monitoring panel to monitor courts still in operation, and are working to set up a Freephone number to ensure detainees can call from prisons. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is still investigating all deaths, however have temporarily suspended visits to prisons. Interviews are conducted by video or phone and documents are being sent to investigators electronically. Find out more about IMB here, Lay Observers here and PPO here

FUNDING: disadvantaged women and girls

The Tampon Tax Fund is open for applications from organisations working in three categories: violence against women and girls, young women’s mental health and wellbeing, and a general programme. The fund allocates the funds generated from the VAT on sanitary products to projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged women and girls. The fund welcomes applications from women’s specialist charities and organisations whose projects include making onward grants to women’s specialist charities. Applications should be for £1 million or more and be from organisations that can deliver impact across their chosen category and across multiple regions in one or more of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Apply before 31st May here

​FUNDING: social need, youth and employment

Grants of up to £2,500 are available from the Hemby Charitable Trust for registered charities for projects in the fields of social need, youth and employment, help for older people, the arts and the environment in Merseyside and Wirral. The deadline is 1st June and more details can be found here

PUBLICATION: Adverse Childhood Experiences

Cymru Well Wales Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Support Hub and Public Health Wales has published a report showing the impact of ACEs on asylum seeking and refugee children. ACEs are chronic or traumatic stressors that occur early in life before the age of 18. ACEs range from child verbal, mental, physical and sexual abuse, to being exposed to alcoholism, drug use and domestic violence at home. ACEs are world-wide phenomena, with around one billion children (aged 2-17) experiencing violence in the past year in communities across the globe. However, the report highlights that child asylum seekers and refugees can be exposed to wider forms of ACEs. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Finance Manager with The IARS International Institute [London], Family Link Worker with Changing Lives [Newcastle Upon Tyne], Resettlement Caseworker with St. Giles Trust [HMP Stoke Heath / HMP Berwyn], Recovery Coordinator (2 vacancies) with Humankind [Sunderland], Chair of the Management Board with Recoop [Bournemouth], Health Care Assistant with Kaleidoscope Project [Wales], Team Manager – Brent with Advance [London], Treasurer with Safe Ground [London], Lecturer in Functional Skills English 50% with Weston College [HMP Elmley]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip I: Theatre and dance shows to watch online. Details
  • Tip II: Gift hampers. 50% off. Details
  • Tip III: Metal no-touch door openers. Up to 75% off. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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