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We are a care after custody service covering Devon and Cornwall, seeking to improve the continuity of care for people leaving prison or an immigration removal centre (IRC), with an identified health need.
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How we can help
How we can help
We will work with you before you leave custody or an immigration removal centre (IRC) to support your transition to community-based services and to safeguard the health gains you have made.
Our aims are also to:
- Increase access to and uptake of healthcare or relevant support services for individuals who have identified health needs upon release from prison or IRCs who would otherwise struggle to engage
- Ensure that the health needs of individuals who are leaving prison or IRCs are met
- Support a safe transition from prison or IRC to community-based healthcare and support services in England
- Provide follow-up to ensure engagement is maintained.
We offer you:
- Initial assessment of your referral, with your consent
- A fully holistic service that meets your individual circumstances
- Support and release planning for up to 12 weeks prior to release or as soon as you are referred within the 12 weeks prior to your release
- Up to six months post-release support, or until all health care needs are met
- A minimum of two face-to-face appointments prior to your release or a combination of virtual, telephone and face-to-face
- A named reconnect member of staff who will work with you prior to, and upon release.
- Work in a trauma informed way that understands your difficulties and experiences
- Support to coordinate services when you are being held outside of your home area.
Whilst our reconnect service is not a clinical service we do offer liaison, advocacy, signposting and support to help you engage with community services.
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How to get help
How to get help
Referrals can be accepted from probation services, police, liaison and diversion services and/or Home Office enforcement teams for individuals who have been released in the past 28 days.
Self-referrals and those from friends and family can be made on behalf of an individual whilst they are in prison or in an immigration removal centre. We recommend they discuss this with their prison healthcare team or probation officer who can advise them how to refer, or by emailing dpt.reconnect@nhs.net
- Client age 18 and over
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Service hours
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
dpt.reconnect@nhs.net