Jail dementia goal in sight
HMP Shotts is making positive strides towards the goal of being one of the first prison services in Scotland to become dementia friendly by the end of the year.
Alzheimer Scotland have been working with staff and prisoners at HMP Shotts to stage Dementia Friends workshops and information sessions with staff to help raise awareness of dementia, to support the ageing prison population and inform staff of the illness which is set to double in a generation.
Scott Cringles, Skills and Employability Unit Manager at Shotts, said: “HMP Shotts are really proud to be the first prison in Scotland to link in with Alzheimer Scotland for both staff and prisoner dementia awareness sessions.
“With both an aging prisoner and staff population this partnership with Alzheimer Scotland has really given us something to focus on and we intend to build stronger links and awareness sessions for staff and prisoners going forward.
“The sessions we have already delivered in partnership has seen some staff and prisoners look for more information as clearly Dementia can affect anyone.
“If we can give staff some information, which will have the added benefit of recognising signs and symptoms, not only in work but also in home life, then there is a clear benefit to all. We look forward to developing this partnership including expanding the project to include prison visitors and a visit from the Alzheimer Scotland Memory Bus.”
Lorna Hart, Dementia Ad v i s o r, A l z h e i m e r Scotland, added:“During our discussions with staff, we have looked at ways to create dementia friendly environments including the workplace itself and the layout of the cells. We hope that this partnership will have a positive impact.”