Norfolk Prison to Community Networking Event

A networking event for organisations directly involved in supporting people as they transition from prison to community services. About the event Norfolk County Council and partners are hosting a networking event for organisations directly involved in supporting people as they transition from custody into community services. For people leaving prison with a drug and alcohol support need, the period immediately following release can be particularly challenging. Research and national guidance consistently highlight this transition as one of increased vulnerability, with elevated risks of relapse, overdose, poor health outcomes, homelessness and reoffending. Strong continuity of care between prison and community services can play a vital role in reducing these risks and supporting recovery. The event will bring together colleagues from prisons, probation, healthcare, drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services, housing, employment support, voluntary sector organisations and wider partners involved in supporting people before release, on release, or during their transition from custody into the community. Who is this event for? This event is intended for professionals, services and organisations that play a direct role in supporting people before release from prison, on release, or during their transition from custody into the community. This may include colleagues working within: • Prisons and prison healthcare • Probation services • Drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services • Mental health services • Housing and homelessness services • Employment and skills support • Voluntary and community organisations • Healthcare and social care services • Criminal justice services What to expect The agenda has been developed using feedback from local partners about the topics they most wanted to learn more about and discuss. The morning will include: "Why joined-up continuity of care matters" An overview of the importance of effective prison-to-community pathways and the wider factors that support recovery following release. Service presentations Short presentations from key services involved in supporting prison leavers with a drug and/or alcohol support need, including: • HMP Norwich • Change Grow Live Norfolk • IPS Onwards Employment Service • The Matthew Project Networking and marketplace session A dedicated networking session will provide an opportunity to: • Meet local partners • Learn about services available to prison leavers • Share challenges and ideas • Build relationships across organisations • Improve understanding of referral pathways • Explore opportunities for closer partnership working A number of local organisations will host information stands and share resources relating to health, recovery, housing, employment, mentoring, community support and criminal justice services. Our aims This event has been developed to: • Improve understanding of the support available to prison leavers, with a detailed overview of local drug and alcohol services and support • Strengthen links between prison and community services • Improve awareness of referral pathways • Promote collaborative working across organisations • Support continuity of care and treatment engagement • Share learning and good practice • Ultimately improve outcomes for people leaving prison and returning to Norfolk communities These themes were consistently identified by local partners during pre-event consultation and workforce engagement.