• Inform prisoners of the different ways they can contact their family/friends, and pay special attention to ensuring that those with mental health conditions are able to establish and maintain this contact. (Mandela Rule 58) • Be aware of stigmatisation and any barriers affecting equal access to opportunities within the facility, and act to end discrimination. • Consider whether and how a prisoner’s mental health condition may contribute to their behaviour in the context of the assessment of risk for release, or any reward or privilege system based on ‘good behaviour’. (Mandela Rule 39) • Ensure that all prisoners have equal access to different means of communication and help to overcome any difficulties in contacting families/friends. • Ensure that external independent prison monitors have access to people in prison with mental health conditions and can inspect relevant services and facilities. (Mandela Rule 84) Preparation for release Release from prison can present particular risks for prisoners’ mental health and well-being, not least if there is a gap in healthcare provision. Stop bullying, harassment and violence Prisoners who are subjected to bullying, harassment and violence, including sexual violence, are at risk of developing mental ill-health. • Ensure prisoners receive adequate preparation for release (which should begin upon arrival at prison) and check that post-release support programmes are in place (e.g. links to community health services). (Mandela Rules 87, 90, 108 Body searches can be intimidating and degrading; they represent a high-risk situation for abuse and ill-treatment and are sometimes misused to intimidate, harass, retaliate or discriminate. The psychological impact of body searches can be exacerbated for those with mental health conditions. and 110) • Ensure that relevant information about prisoners is fed into post-release care programmes. • Facilitate visits with families and friends, including the possibility of extended/home visits as the release date approaches. • Be aware that prisoners with mental ill-health may be particularly vulnerable and put protective measures in place as necessary. • Report any instances of bullying, harassment and violence by either staff, prisoners or external visitors. Reintegration Mental ill-health makes reintegration even more difficult upon release from prison. People released from prison who have mental health conditions may find it difficult to secure appropriate, sustainable employment and housing, and their capacity to successfully engage with the world outside prison may be compromised, particularly if their condition remains untreated. Post-release support therefore must be holistic and ensure continuity of care with regards to mental and physical health. • Ensure there are avenues for complaints and safe spaces for prisoners to speak with someone they trust. • Body searches should be resorted to only when strictly necessary to ensure the security of staff and detainees, and they should be conducted in a manner that respects the dignity of the person, in line with safeguards. (Mandela Rules 50–53, Bangkok Rules 19–21) Tackle discrimination and stigma It is likely that prisoners with mental health conditions will encounter discrimination throughout their detention, which can impact on access to educational and vocational programmes and other services. Discrimination of prisoners with mental ill-health is also common in the application of early release mechanisms and disciplinary measures (see page 31).25 28 29