RECONNECT

What is RECONNECT?

RECONNECT is an NHS care after custody service that supports anyone aged 18 or over with an identified health need who may struggle making the transition from prison to community-based services once released and helps them to maintain their health and wellbeing.

How can RECONNECT help?

RECONNECT can offer person-centred support up to 12 weeks pre-release and six months post-release including:

· A face-to face assessment of needs (health and social care-based needs) whilst in custody with at least one further review prior to release

· Personal health and wellbeing plan to prepare for your release that recognises you are the expert in your own life

· Advocacy, signposting, advice and support post-release (including help with arranging/attending appointments).

RECONNECT will work with internal and external agencies such as We Are With You, Rough Sleepers Team, Neighbourhood Teams, as well as your GP and other health and social care providers. The team will also work with education and employment agencies to support your integration into the community.

How do I know RECONNECT is for me?

You will have obstacles which prevent you from maintaining your own health and wellbeing post-release. These may include:

· Mental health difficulties

· Physical health difficulties

· Difficulty accessing education/training

· Financial difficulties including help with benefits

· Access to primary care services via your GP surgery

· Homelessness

· Family difficulties

· Substance misuse

· Language barriers

There may be other obstacles not listed that RECONNECT can support you with. Speak to the team and let us know what you need. The team will aim to advise and signpost you accordingly.

Who can refer?

RECONNECT offers a ‘no wrong door’ referral process. Anyone can refer you including:

• You/self-referral
• Prison, Probation or Court Staff
• Any other agencies
• Your family and friends

How do I access support?

For referrals in the community, contact
 

Email lpft.reconnect@nhs.net

Call: 01522 421634 (LPFT Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Service)

0303 123 4000—Single Point of Access Service (SPA)

For referrals in prison, contact:
 

Call NO. 7 RED PHONE and leave a message for RECONNECT 

Via APP or talk to a member of staff
 

What happens next after my referral?

Once we have your referral and your consent to work with you, we will arrange to come and meet with you to discuss your needs.

If we don’t think RECONNECT can help you, we will always ensure we respond to you and advise you why and offer any signposting we think would be useful.

What happens when I get released?

If RECONNECT is working with you after your release we will ensure you have a follow up appointment in the community and will arrange to meet with you on a mutually agreed time, date and place.

 The team will then continue to work with you for a maximum of six months post-release or until your needs are met, whichever is the shorter.

If I decline to speak with you but end up changing my mind, can I still access support?

Yes! You can refer yourself up to 28 days after your release.

Please give RECONNECT an email or call and we can arrange a good time to have a talk about the difficulties you are experiencing and how we can help.

Who do you share my information with?

We share information such as our plan of care, which we create with you, to professionals who are currently involved in your care. This is so that any important information can be taken into account when decisions are being made about how best to support you while working together.

We will have a conversation around who you would like information sharing with however, if risk to yourself or others is expressed or identified then we have a duty of care to share this information with any relevant professionals.