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If someone is in prison, they are still entitled to care and support from the council. 

Referring someone can help someone stay independent, safe and healthy whilst in prison.  

We will support people who: 

  • develop needs whilst in prison 
  • got care and support in the community before entering prison 
  • already get care and support but may need more support 
  • are moving to another prison and need their care and support details shared with the next local authority 
  • are leaving prison and moving back into the community 

The support may include help with: 

  • personal care such as washing and dressing 
  • daily activities including meeting others and taking part in activities  
  • written or verbal communication so they can stay in touch with friends or family or get support booking appointments  
  • getting around 
  • getting equipment and adaptations 
  • care and support to help with education  
  • meals and feeding 

We work with care agencies to provide care to people in Greenwich prisons.  

From 1 April 2024, Eleanor Care became our care provider. They will arrange for formal carers to assist people in prison.  

How to ask for support 

To request an assessment for support for someone in prison, you will need to make a referral.  

Someone in prison can refer themselves by asking officers or healthcare professionals to contact the Greenwich Prison Social Care team for them.  

Referring someone for support 

If you’re referring a client for support, you will need to tell us: 

  • the reason for the referral 
  • the person’s diagnosis 
  • the person’s medical condition and medication they need 
  • if the request needs an urgent response and what the urgent situation is. For example, if someone cannot manage their personal care or if their needs could cause risk to the carer such as if they need to be lifted 
  • if there are any risks such as falls, injuries or a condition getting worse and how these are being managed now 

For HMP Thameside and HMP Isis a prisoner can request an assessment using the IT system in the prison. This notifies the prison officer who will arrange the assessment with us.  

For HMP Belmarsh they can ask a prison officer for a paper referral form. 

Eleanor Care and the Support Orderly can help the client complete the referral form and will send it to the Prison Social Care team. 

Refer someone for care and support in prison 

Or email prison-social-care@royalgreenwich.gov.uk  

After a referral  

When we receive a referral, we will: 

  • complete a face-to-face assessment to ask what they feel they need and observe how they manage everyday activities. This is not a test, it’s a way to understand the person's strengths and what support they need 
  • write up a care and support plan which details the support they’re eligible for 
  • share the support plan with healthcare and prison colleagues so officers and healthcare professionals are aware of the support and the person continues to get the support they need 

We review the care and support plan every year or as their needs change.  

If someone is eligible for support in prison, they may get support from a formal carer and/or a trained Care and Support Orderly.  

The carer and the orderly will help people meet the goals set out in their care and support plan. 

Formal Carers support with personal care tasks and domestic tasks if there is not a Care and Support Orderly available. 

Care and Support Orderlies support with: 

  • domestic care tasks like cleaning, laundry, collecting their meals 
  • communicating with family, friends such as writing letters, making phone calls  
  • communicating with professionals such as booking appointments, completing forms 
  • social support to reduce isolation 

Training for Care and Support Orderlies 

Care and Support Orderlies are prisoners who help to support other prisoners.  

If a prisoner applies to become an orderly, they will:  

  • have a security check and clearance before taking on the role 
  • attend and pass a two-day training course 
  • have monthly supervision 
  • have access to a monthly peer group meeting 

Training courses happen about 6 to 9 times each year across the 3 Greenwich prisons.  

Support after leaving prison 

We work with partners to make sure people get a safe release and have the support they need when they leave prison.  

We will share the assessment and care and support plan with the local authority the person is moving to after release.  

This may include information about the support the person needs such as: 

  • personal care 
  • help with eating or drinking
  • activities around the home 
  • managing their money
  • finding supported accommodation