Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on prisoners' mental health of extended periods of occupation of temporary accommodation cells.

We take mental health provision very seriously and are committed to working closely with health partners to ensure that offenders are able to access the treatment and support required for their mental health needs. The health and justice partners include: Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHSE/I, and Public Health England (PHE).

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic mean that visits have been suspended and people in prison are spending more time in their cells. They are, however, being given access to services including telephone contact with loved ones, access to health services and where possible time in the open air. Additionally, following a successful trial at HMP Berwyn, we are rolling out secure video calling to other prisons to help prisoners maintain contact with their families. We continue to make the Samaritans phone service available, and are working with the Samaritans to ensure that the Listener peer support scheme continues to function effectively. We are also providing distraction packs and in cell activities to support mental and physical wellbeing and to address anxiety and boredom.

Temporary accommodation is being installed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is designed to support HMPPS in protecting prisoners by providing further space in the estate for prisoners in line with Public Health England guidelines.

All accommodation is for single occupation and provides in-room sanitation. This will create a safe environment for social distancing and self-isolation.

We are continuing to provide care and support to people at risk of self-harm or suicide through ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) case management. For those with severe mental health issues, we are doing everything we can to ensure that the process for referral, assessment and transfer to mental health hospitals continues in as normal a way as possible.