Waverley Care’s Prison Link Service
Support Type:
Need supported:
- Accommodation / Homelessness
- Advocacy
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Health / Wellbeing
- Mental Health
- Peer Mentoring
- Personal Development
- Re-integration
- Short-term Prisoners
- Social Isolation
- Other
Aim/Purpose:
Our Glasgow-based Prison Link service aims to connect people in prisons living with, or at risk of, blood-borne viruses (hepatitis C and/or HIV), or those seeking sexual health advice, to a support network as they approach, at the time of, and following their release. The Prison Link service is Glasgow-based and streamlines the transition from prison to liberation, providing ongoing support leading to improved health outcomes. Alongside one to one support, Prison Link service offers education, awareness programs and harm reduction measures for those involved in the justice system. These initiatives are vital due to gaps in knowledge about HIV and outdated information on hepatitis C. Established in 2016, the Prison Link service complements existing services, such as NHS BBV Services, Addiction and Recovery Services and Scottish Prison Service (SPS), focusing on individuals living with BBVs, people experiencing drug dependency issues, potential homelessness and all other post-release challenges.
Suitability criteria:
- All genders
- Young adult (18-35)
Assessment/referral process:
- Any agency
People living in four prison establishments across Greater Glasgow & Clyde with HIV/hep C or those who have a current link with a justice system within 6 month period residing in the community can be referred to our Prison Link service. Referrals are accepted from HMP Barlinnie, HMP Low Moss, HMP Greenock, Lilias Center, community organisations and healthcare partners; self-referrals are also accepted. Referrals can be made to Wendy.Cooper@waverleycare.org Development Manager – Prison Health