Sugden announces additional support services for prison officers to be developed
Date published:
Justice Minister, Claire Sugden, today announced a new partnership between the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT); which will develop support services for prison officers in Northern Ireland.
Minister Sugden said: “Prison officers play an invaluable role in serving the entire community in Northern Ireland and it is important to recognise the unique challenges they face in their working environment.
“Since becoming Justice Minister I have prioritised raising the level of support available for Prison Officers. I am therefore delighted to announce that the Prison Service will work with the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT) to develop new support services for prison officers in Northern Ireland.
“I have also asked the Prison Service to examine how these services could also be extended to former prison officers.
“Since its formation in 1999, the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT) has been providing an invaluable service to serving and former police officers. PRRT staff are experienced clinicians or practitioners with specialist training in supporting people who work in challenging situations. They will now be able to bring that expertise to deliver additional support for prison officers.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Police Rehabilitation & Retraining Trust (PRRT) is an arm’s-length body of the Department of Justice. It commenced work in 1999. The PRRT has a number of functions including the provision of support to police officers who have already retired from the PSNI or the RUCGC or who are planning to retire from service. It provides psychological therapies and physiotherapy, as well as personal development and training services.
2. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press office 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623974383 and your call will be returned.