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Cruse Bereavement Care NI does not discriminate against any bereaved person who needs our support. In conjunction with the Northern Ireland Prison Service, we deliver a service which supports prisoners whilst they are inside prison and within the community when they are released.
The Cruse Prison Support Service aims to provide bereavement support to prisoners over the age of 18 who are finding if difficult to cope with their grief whilst they are “on the inside.” Grieving inside prison without any family support can be extremely difficult. Often prisoners stand the least chance of coming to terms with bereavement than any other group in our society
Cruse volunteers support bereaved female prisoners and young offenders in HMP Hydebank Wood and male prisoners in HMP Magilligan. This service is funded by the Northern Ireland Prison Service. It is delivered by trained Cruse volunteers and supervisors as part of a drive to promote resettlement back into the community upon release.
Please click here for the Grief on the 'Inside' leaflet
Thinking of becoming a Cruse Prison Support Volunteer
What experience do I need?
You must have 60 hours client work post ABC training. As well as this you will also need two references with endorsements from your branch and supervisor.
What’s involved in the training?
Working with prisoners and within the prison environment can be very challenging but it is also very rewarding. A specific training programme has been devised to ensure that Cruse volunteers feel equipped to work with bereaved prisoners.
Training modules include:
- What is a prisoner? Stereotypes, fears and the reality
- Why is grieving so difficult when inside prison?
- Substance abuse
- Induction into the prison (a tour, a chance to meet staff and prisoners)
How do I apply to become a prison support volunteer
For current Cruse volunteers please contact Morven McFadden, Prison Support Manager at Regional Office on 028 9079 2419 or email morven.mcfadden@cruse.org.uk for further details.
Please click here to find out more about Jane McGeary's story as a volunteer for Cruse
What to find out more?
www.niprisonservice.gov.uk
The Northern Ireland Prison Service
http://www.pn.counselling.co.uk/
Prison Counselling Network
http://www.scmh.org.uk/
Sainsburys Centre for Mental Health
http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/
The Prison Reform Trust
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