Inside track on health information for male offenders

The Men's Health Forum creates health resource for first time prisoners.

In partnership with two prisons, HMP Risley and HMYOI Thorn Cross and with Warrington PCT, the Men's Health Forum has created a health information resource aimed at men who are entering prison for the first time.

The resource has been produced in close collaboration with inmates from both prisons.  Early discussions with these groups indicated that there was a real need for information for men who are either experiencing prison for the first time or who are relatively new to the prison system.  The MHF has created a health information booklet which aims to support men and help them adjust to life on the inside.  Not only does it cover practical aspects such as interacting with other prisoners and signposting to sources of help and support, it deals also with the range of emotions men may feel in these highly stressful situations and provides some sense of comfort and assurance that these are common.

Written in easy to understand language, incorporating an appealing and engaging design and with direct quotes from prisoners themselves as well as a glossary of prison 'vernacular' provided by prisoners themselves, it reflects men's real experiences in their own voices.

Stephen Sibbald, the MHF's Operations Director said "We are delighted with the new resource.  It has been well received by the men at the two prisons and we have had some very positive feedback about its usefulness and relevance.  Working with prisoners themselves meant that they were involved in the design and production process from the very beginning and were able to take some ownership of the final booklet.  We are convinced that we have established a model of working and a health resource which could be replicated in many other prison settings".