Secure video calls help prisoners in North West maintain essential family ties during Pandemic

SECURE video calls are now running in all prisons and young offender institutions (YOIs) in the North West helping to maintain vital family ties and boost rehabilitation during the Coronavirus Pandemic. In just over 6 months, over 90,000 video calls have been made totalling 45,000 hours and connecting families in more than 100 countries, while social visits were suspended to save lives and protect the NHS. The secure video calls are allowing prisoners to see their toddlers take their 1st steps, say goodbye to a terminally ill loved 1 and helping those struggling with their mental health. Offenders with strong family ties are less likely to reoffend, which costs the taxpayer around ₤18 billion per year, while 97% of prisoners say that video calls have a positive impact on their mental health.

Prisons Minister Lucy Frazer QC MP said:- "Video calls have been a huge success in our response to Covid19 in the prison estate, with staff and offenders overwhelmingly positive about the impact of the technology. Prisoners have seen drastic changes to their daily routines to protect local health services and save lives. Part of that has been the loss of social visits; something we know plays a huge role in prisoners' wellbeing and rehabilitation and these calls are allowing them to keep this vital family contact."

The video calls take place on secure laptops in a designated area in each prison. Safeguards are in place to prevent misuse with all participants checked in advance, calls are monitored by prison staff and restrictions have been built into the software to ensure safe use.

Rob Knight Governor at HMP Manchester said:- "As a prison that holds long term men from all over the country, having face-to-face video calls is a facility that will not just be useful during the Pandemic, but will remain as a long term essential link for families that live a significant distance from the prison. Keeping our prisoners in close contact with their family and ensuring that good relationships are maintained is a key element to reducing future offending, and using this new technology adds another platform to support this."

Prisoner at HMP Wymott:- "Having video calls really helps with keeping in contact with my son and family on the outside. They really let your family know you are safe during this uncertain time"

Graham Beck, Governor at HMP Wymott, added:- "This has been an extraordinary time for staff, prisoners and families. The need for contact and reassurance has probably never been greater in recent times, and the addition of video calls has given another option to our residents to keep in touch. With families unable to visit, the option of a video call has been a great boost for many."

The new technology builds on the 2017 Lord Farmer review which found that close bonds between prisoners and family members can significantly reduce their risk of reoffending. Plans are being implemented for the long term. In the meantime, video calls remain free of charge to prisoners and their loved ones while social visits are restricted.

Pete Francis, Governor at HMP Lancaster Farms, also commented that:- "The technology has been of huge benefit to the men at Lancaster Farms. It has ensured that the men are able to keep contact with family and their children during this difficult time. The technology has assisted the management in the running of the prison and has contributed to maintaining excellent staff and prisoner relationships."

Sea Cadets mark their voyage of LegaSea

THE Sea Cadets, the national youth charity, publishes its:- 'multi generational' impact study following participation of over 3,000 former cadets dating back as far as the outbreak of the 2nd World War. The 160 year old charity has launched:- 'My LegaSea,' a campaign exploring the impact of cadet life on young people aged 10 to 18 and how it helped shape their futures. The culmination of a national study on the long term impact of structured uniformed youth activity is now published as a full report. The independent study, designed and guided by academics at Durham University and Goldsmith’s College London, surveyed and interviewed over 3,000 former Sea Cadets. The study, and report, are the 1st of its kind for the youth sector; a 1st large scale endeavour to measure and verify to the influence of an organisation like Sea Cadets, not just today, but for the rest of the young person’s life.  Captain Phil Russell, Captain of Sea Cadets, said:- "My LegaSea is a remarkable initiative which brings Sea Cadets history to life through fascinating human stories and cherished memories."

The full report reveals a plethora of insight, bringing to light 10 key areas of impact identified by the research participants. 3 indeed stand out for the charity:-

►  95% confirmed Sea Cadets had a positive impact on their life, long after they left.

►  80% confirmed Sea Cadets developed their independence and skills.

►  70% confirmed Sea Cadets improved their ability to cope with challenges.

►  Affirming that Sea Cadets launches young people for life.

My LegaSea, an independently researched project, was designed and guided by academics at Durham University and Goldsmith's College London and was launched to mark the 80th Anniversary of the outbreak of the 2nd World War, a period which triggered rapid expansion of the Sea Cadets movement. In 1940, the 1st offshore Training Ship 'Bounty' was purchased and in 1942 the charity was officially named the Sea Cadet Corps, attracting a huge intake of new cadets. Sea Cadets broadens horizons and creates possibilities through a different kind of adventure. Working across the UK with 14,000 young people aged 10 to 18, we help them develop into resilient, confident young people who can launch well in life, whatever their background. For more information, please visit:- Sea-Cadets.Org.

Letter to Editor:- "Take on the MyCycle challenge"

"WE'VE all felt the strain of 2020 and with restrictions in place across England it's important that looking after our physical and mental health remains a priority in 2021. That's why I'm encouraging people stay active throughout the winter months and improve their heart health by taking on the British Heart Foundation's (BHF) 30 day virtual cycling challenge, MyCycle. The BHF found that signing up to a challenge has helped a quarter of people get fitter in the past. Completing an exercise challenge, like MyCycle, can also have a positive effect on your mental health as it helps to increase your level of endorphins, which are a natural mood booster. This, combined with the knowledge that the miles you're covering are helping to raise vital funds for the BHF's life saving research, is sure to help put you in a good mood. The Coronavirus crisis hit charities especially hard last year. The BHF anticipate they will have to cut funding for new research by ₤50 million this year which will put potential life saving discoveries at risk. That's why I'm taking on MyCycle this January. So, join me and start pedalling to up the miles and get sponsored to help raise vital funds for life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases. For more information visit:- BHF.Org.UK/MyCycle." Aimee Fuller, British Olympic Snowboarder and cycling enthusiast.