Abstract
This chapter considers the development of peer-based approaches in promoting prison health in England and Wales and presents insights into how young adult prisoners perceive and experience these roles in the prison environment. Alongside the benefits of taking on a peer role, the chapter explores prisoners’ views of the implementation and the potential utility of peer-based approaches for health within the wider prison community. The findings are discussed in relation to the potential impact of peer initiatives in seeking to develop and implement the more integrated and innovative approaches that have been called for in this domain in seeking to reduce health inequalities.
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- 1.
Young adults categorised as requiring high security and those on remand can find themselves placed in both local prisons and YOIs. Analysis from Ministry of Justice, 2013 data found that 48 % were held in single-use YOIs, and 52 % in dual designated establishments, which are certified to hold both young adults and older prisoners (Ministry of Justice, 2013).
- 2.
Prisons in England and Wales set a status of Basic, Standard, or Enhanced for each prisoner under the ‘Incentive and Earned Privileges’ Scheme (IEPS). Prisoners are automatically allocated to ‘Standard’ level status after 14 days of entering a prison establishment. With good and compliant behaviour, prisoners can apply for ‘Enhanced’ status, where if awarded, they are eligible for additional privileges such as more and longer visits and increases in the amount of money they can spend in the prison. Prisoners can also be allocated ‘Basic’ level as a punishment level for those who do not comply with prison regulations and protocols.
- 3.
Red bands are allocated to prisoners who have demonstrated exceptionally good behaviour and are given special privileges such as freedom to move around the prison.
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Mehay, A., Meek, R. (2016). The Development of a Peer-Based Approach for Promoting Prisoner Health in an English Male Young Offender Institution. In: Abrams, L., Hughes, E., Inderbitzin, M., Meek, R. (eds) The Voluntary Sector in Prisons. Palgrave Studies in Prisons and Penology. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54215-1_6
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