Congratulations to our colleagues working with prisoners who were presented with Certificates of Excellence at the North East Prison After Care Society (Nepacs) Ruth Cranfield Awards.
Our psychologically informed planned environment (PIPE) team at HMP and Young Offender Institution (YOI) Low Newton scooped the award for creating and building positive, trusting relationships and dedication to support residents to be the best they can be while maintaining a psychologically informed environment during challenges of the pandemic.
Laura Frank, assistant psychologist, collected the award on behalf of the team alongside Julie Rowntree, PIPE officer.
“Being new to the team, it was an honour to be able to receive the award on behalf of us all,” said Laura. “It’s great to see the recognition of a passionate and dedicated team. We only really see the work happening within the unit. So, it was very heart-warming to hear a success story of someone with lived experience on the day, and to receive this award knowing we’re part of something that is helping to change lives for the better.”
Our integrated support unit at HMP Durham picked up the award for always prioritising their patients, being caring, respectful and compassionate. They have continued to go above and beyond for the patients on the unit, including supporting a patient with their release plan from custody into the community, despite the challenges of Covid-19.
Hayley Hawksby, team manager said: “They have been dynamic, resilient and continued to ensure that patient care is not compromised despite the challenges they have faced. Working in a custody setting is challenging but also very rewarding and the staff have continued to go above and beyond to support the patients on the unit.”
Nepacs is a north east charity that promotes a positive future for prisoners, offenders and their relatives. The charity holds an annual awards ceremony to recognise the contribution professionals make to reduce crime in the region and help offenders turn their lives around.
