Call for volunteers for pioneering new project to help older prisoners return to society

By Jayne Warren - 04/08/2008

An innovative new project called Age Concern Older Offenders Project (ACOOP) may well change not only the way we think about older prisoners, but help transform their lives when they are released into the wider community. And volunteers are needed to help support this valuable work - with full training provided.

The number of older people in prison has doubled over the last decade, especially in the 60 plus age group, and with an ageing prison population has come an increase in psychological distress, depression and dementia - problems which the prison service are struggling to deal with. And reintegration into mainstream society is very different for a prisoner past retirement age, as they are more likely to have become institutionalised as well as deeply isolated due to bereavement and their age.

ACOOP looks set to be hugely important for the future of the UK's prisons, with it's aim of offering social care, advice and support to older offenders and their families, both in prison and within the wider criminal justice system.  

ACOOP currently serves the South West, and was developed by Age Concern Regional Support Services (South West) and Age Concern England after they became concerned that the number of older prisoners entering the criminal justice system had trebled in the past twenty years. Their research also revealed that more than 80% of older prisoners have long standing illnesses or disabilities, more than half suffer from a mental disorder and 30% have a diagnosis of depression.

ACOOP is the first project in England seeking to address some of these issues in a practical and effective way, and is working in partnership with prisons, probation trusts, other voluntary and community groups and prisoners and their families.

ACOOP has initial funding for three years, thanks to the Tudor Trust and Lankelly Chase Trust. Project Manager, Liz Davis said: "We now run over 50s groups in Dartmoor (Dartmoor VIPs – Veterans in Prison), and Channings Wood Prisons (the ACES – Age Concern Executive Seniors). The groups are staffed by volunteers and offer a range of activities including games, quizzes and talks on different aspects of resettlement. We have also started a book group for prisoners at Dartmoor.

"We have also worked closely with Help the Aged to set up the first Seniors’ Forum in a prison at HM Prison Leyhill. Later this year a befriending scheme is planned at Leyhill Prison, and Age Concern Bristol will be conducting monthly advice sessions for staff and prisoners at Bristol Prison."

Volunteers are now needed to support every aspect of this work. Anyone applying will be provided with an initial community-based two day training course, and include subjects such as personal health and safety and risk management, confidentiality and disclosure and data protection. An optional third day will provide training in chair based exercise, provided by a specialist trainer.

Interesting opportunities for volunteers include: groupwork, discussion groups, bookgroups (identified by prisoners as this provides activity beyond the actual ACOOP session), lectures, befriending and preparing for retirement on release from prison.

Liz added: "Applicants from a wide range of backgrounds are welcome.Those recently retired would find this extremely interesting, and for those considering a career in any aspect of the criminal justice system or social work, the experience we can offer is invaluable."

For further information please contact the ACOOP Project Manager, Liz Davis on: 01460 76003 or 07975 767929.