Call For Mental Health Support For Prisoners At HMP Gartree After Covid Lockdown

A prisons watchdog says measures are needed to help inmates at HMP Gartree deal with the impact of the pandemic on their mental health.

The 638 prisoners have been locked in their cells for more than 22 hours a day for long period during the past year, including during Coronavirus outbreaks at the jail near Market Harborough.

A report by the Independent Monitoring Board has praised the professionalism of staff and forbearance of prisoners in coping with the crisis.

But Chairman Tim Norman says the fall-out will need careful consideration:

HMP Gartree

The Board’s annual report also raises concerns about insufficient budget being provided to allow for urgent repairs to be carried out at the prison, the majority of which was built in the 1960s.

Mr Norman says leaking roofs have been a real problem:

The Ministry of Justice says the unexpected and unprecedented impact of the Covid 19 pandemic hit the prison hard and a severely restricted regime, centrally imposed across the prison estate, presented immense challenges for both prisoners and staff.

It adds prisoners have continued to receive 45 minutes of daily exercise and showers and mental health support has been provided to prisoners as needed, with weekly keyworker contact for vulnerable prisoners.

Inmates have also been given phone credit and in-cell telephony to contact loved ones and video calling facilities for virtual visits,

A spokesperson told Hfm: “Our tough restrictions during the pandemic have undoubtedly saved lives.

“We are spending £156 million to tackle the most pressing maintenance issues and are making it as easy as possible for prisoners to stay in touch with their families.”