HMP Edinburgh has become the first prison in the UK to receive special recognition for the support it provides to people struggling with bereavement.
The prison has been awarded a Bereavement Charter Mark for the compassionate way in which it helps individuals to process grief.
A prison sentence is challenging for individuals and their families in many ways but being separated makes it particularly hard to work through bereavement and loss.
But the support available is not solely for individuals in custody, it encompasses the whole prison community, including staff.
Working collaboratively with NHS Psychology and specialist organisations ‘At a loss’, ‘Good life, Good Death, Good Grief’, ‘Care for the Family’ and ‘CRUSE Scotland’, the establishment’s Chaplaincy team have led efforts to develop existing practice to ensure people receive the space, time and support they need.
Bereavement Care Awareness training has been introduced for the senior management team and first line managers, which includes having difficult conversations and supporting colleagues in times of grief.
Bereavement Champions have been introduced in each area of the establishment. These are officers or managers who are points of support for all operational staff and who will be supported by chaplains and psychologists.
Following feedback from individuals in custody, the prison has also opened The Waterfall Café, a dedicated space for them to meet with family members following a bereavement. The café allows them to support each other, share memories, and reflect, in a more private and compassionate environment than what can ordinarily be achieved in the normal visit room.
In time, the café will also be available for staff to drop-in, ensuring everyone can access support if they want to.
The prison is also training Peer Bereavement Supporters from the prisoner population, following a successful pilot of The Bereavement Journey course, written by the charity ‘At a Loss’, but adapted for the prison environment. This allows participants to support their peers at any stage of their grief journey.
