Maghaberry Prison

Resettlement Assessment & Support Unit (RASU)

A new unit established in Maghaberry in early July 2004 is helping prisoners who have difficulty in coping to adjust to prison life. The aim of the Unit is to assist these individuals, over a period of time, to become involved in all activities available within the prison.

Around 8 prisoners attend 4 sessions a week which include 2 sessions of craft activities, 1 at the gym and 1 with the health care staff in a Health promotion workshop. It is planned to increase the number of prisoners involved in the scheme to around 20.

A multi-disciplinary team comprising members of Maghaberry's resettlement team, education department, sport & recreation department and healthcare staff along with the Prison Arts Foundation are involved in delivering the programme of activities. During all sessions prison staff participate in the activities with the prisoners.

Prisoners are assessed as being suitable for the Unit during induction and through Maghaberry's resettlement planning process.