UCLAN/NIMHE

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and the National Institute of Mental Health in England (NIMHE) have funded POPS to carry out a Peer Research Project in 2007/8.

The project aims to find out what Black men in prison feel that their Mental Health needs, have been appropriately diagnosed and what is their understanding of the service available. The research will be conducted with Young Offenders in HMYOI Hindley and hopes to identify, train and utilise Black Offenders in this establishment as Peer researchers to collect data from their fellow inmates. The data collected will be analysed and drawn together in a working party that will be led by a POPS Project Coordinator and the Black Offender Peer Researchers.

This project commences as of April 2007 and the final report will be disseminated in a seminar before the end of March 2008.

ROUTES2ROOTS

Following consultation with ex-offenders from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups a course entitled 'Routes2Roots' has been developed in conjunction with POPS and other IMPACT partner agencies. The course involves participants sharing their various cultures, historical learning and personal experiences. It has been designed to empower BME ex-offenders by tackling issues of racism and addressing the internalised discrimination often faced by this group. It has sought to achieve this by creating a 'safe' environment for BME ex-offenders to speak openly and honestly about issues that matter to them. The course utilises community based facilitators from diverse backgrounds and is based on the concept of 'interculturalism' this is the opportunity for different communities to learn more about each other through a process of mutual learning and joint growth.

This project has been piloted in HMP Buckley Hall, with the view to potentially roll out to other establishments.

A facilitator of the course said:

"It was a privilege to be a part of the Routes2Roots programme at Buckley Hall...I believe that the course has recognised and identified the real needs of disaffected, young minority ethnic men...building their self esteem and enabling greater integration to society when they are released as enthused, engaged and self-confident citizens"

Comments made by the participants:

"I recently took part in the Route2Routes course and I thought it was one of the most useful courses I have done in custody. It helped me realise what I exactly want and the kind of things which come in the way of goals".

"I think there should be more classes like this because this kind of class helps you to voice your self on everything that happens in prison. IMPACT, so far, has been good for me".

RESETTLEMENT LEAFLET FOR BME OFFENDERS

Following consultation with offenders from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds a project was initiated, led by the offenders, with the task to develop a resettlement leaflet. This leaflet is in its early stages of design but hopes to provide information about the service available to offenders on release, whilst taking into consideration the various cultures, historical learning and personal experiences of BME offenders.