the showers had been renovated over a year ago and there were no limitations to hot water access during the day. At the time of the visit, there were 186 inmates, of a maximum formal capacity of 102, including those serving weekend detention sentences. Some of the inmates standing on the galleries and inner courtyards showed visible signs of mental health disease. The director confirmed a significant number of mental health illness among the inmate population, arguing that the lack of physical space makes it impossible to guarantee their appropriate separation and the provision of specialized assistance deemed necessary to address some of the more complex cases. During an interview with a foreign inmate, the lack of support given by the prison concerning hygienic products and the deficient laundry conditions were mentioned. Questioned about these aspects, the director explained that the inmate received regular consular support from his country consulate and that there was a washing machine reserved for inmates use. With respect to the occupational programs, it was found that 62% of the inmates are engaged in work, training or educational activities. In addition, there are different possible leisure events available, such as training with a physical education teacher four times per week, play football, volleyball, chess, yoga or boot camp activities. Cable television is also available in the leisure room. Regarding the therapeutic planning for the inmates suffering from addictions, the cooperation established with the competent public service of the Ministry of Health and the Intervention on Addicted Behaviours and Dependencies was found to be functioning regularly, with 15 inmates involved. Moreover, there are specific interventions related to alcohol abuse. Supplementing these external resources, on site psychological support is available five hours per week. There are tobacco cessation methods sessions, mostly upheld by the institutions of the National Health Service (Algarve’s Regional Health Administration). Regarding the right to contact with the outside it was ascertain that there are no difficulties reported since the implementation of the new rule, which reduces the use of the telephone to a time limit of five minutes per day and per inmate. However, the legal solution was criticized by the directorate who considers it to be disproportionate and harmful for the detainees. In conclusion, the conditions were deemed to be generally adequate. The adoption of suitable and specialized assistance to the inmates suffering from a mental health condition should however be emphasized. • | 55