Long announces support service for former NI prison officers
Date published:
Retired prison officers can now benefit from a new health and well-being service, Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced.
In conjunction with the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust, former prison officers will be able to benefit from psychological therapies, physiotherapy, and coaching and development opportunities.
Naomi Long said: “This is an important investment in those who served the wider community over many years.
“Whilst these officers may not be actively working within our establishments anymore, they will have provided many years of valuable service. I strongly believe it is right that we continue to support them in recognition of the important and challenging roles they have carried out.”
The new services come into effect today, with former officers able to self-refer to the services on offer.
The Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust has been providing a range of health and well-being support services to various organisations within the Department of Justice since 1999.
Welcoming the announcement, Director General of the Prison Service Ronnie Armour said: “The work of prison officers, past and present, is invaluable in creating a safer community by supporting people to change their offending behaviours. This new service will help those who have played an invaluable role in prisons.”
Dr Norry McBride, CEO at The Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust, added: “We welcome this new opportunity to provide our key healthcare services and personal development support to former prison officers.”
Watch: Minister Long announces Health & Well Being Service for retired prison officers
Notes to editors:
- The Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust is an arm’s-length body organisation working under the auspices of the Department of Justice.
- All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.