Secure video calls improving mental health of Suffolk's prisoners
The Ministry of Justice says strong family ties help reduce reoffending and improves mental wellbeing
Last updated 21st Jan 2021
Prisoners in the East of England are maintaining contact with loved ones despite the ongoing pandemic.
It's thanks to secure video calls which are now running in all prisons and young offender institutions across the region.
According to the Ministry of Justice, offenders with strong family ties are less likely to reoffend, and 97% say video calls are having a positive impact on their mental health.
In just over six months, over 90,000 video calls have been made, connecting prisoners with families in more than 100 countries.
Prisons Minister , Lucy Frazer QC, said: "Video calls have been a huge success in our response to COVID-19 in the prison estate, with staff and offenders overwhelmingly positive about the impact of the technology.
"Prisoners have seen drastic changes to their daily routines to protect local health services and save lives. Part of that has been the loss of social visits – something we know plays a huge role in prisoners’ wellbeing and rehabilitation and these calls are allowing them to keep this vital family contact."
The MOJ says plans are being implemented for the long-term and video calls will continue free of charge while social visits are restricted.