Prison staff can take steps to improve conditions of detention for individual prisoners. In many cases, the costs of dealing with physical conditions are less than the long-term costs of mental ill-health. ' From the perspective of prisoners with mental illness, their families are often the sole source of support. They may be critical for a prisoner to re-enter society successfully.' • Seek to understand the issues that are impacting prisoners’ mental health and how many prisoners such issues may be affecting. • Deal with the situation directly if possible or refer the problem to the prison administration. Keep prisoners informed Uncertainty, doubt and fear of the unknown can be major contributory factors in mental ill-health. Prison staff can offset some of these issues by making sure that prisoners receive all the information and support they need, in a format they understand, to help them adapt to prison life. (Mandela Rules 54, 55 and 56) • Check prisoners have received and understood information about prison life and their rights and responsibilities, including in relation to procedures such as body searches, and how to make requests and complaints. • Ensure that prisoners know how they can access legal advice and representation. • Check that they understand what is happening in relation to the case against them and that they are informed about key dates, decisions, etc. • Ensure that those with mental health conditions are able to defend themselves during disciplinary hearings and have access to any help, including legal representation as necessary. Facilitate contact with the outside world The lack of contact with family, friends and social networks is a key contributory factor to mental ill-health in prisons. Those who have regular outside contact are less isolated and may be able to participate in decisions about family and community life. Such contact can also reduce prisoners’ anxieties about their family members and other personal matters. 24 26