Leaving prison? Let us help you reconnect with services in your community.
What is Reconnect?
Reconnect is a free 'care after custody' service, run by the NHS, to help you stay well after your release from prison or an immigration removal centre.
We know that it can be difficult to go from a prison setting back into the outside world, and people often struggle with their health and wellbeing as a result.
The Reconnect team are here to help, by introducing you to services close to where you live that can help with your health, wellbeing and much more.
How does Reconnect work?
The Reconnect team can work with you from 12 weeks before your release and for up to six months after your release.
We are a ‘signposting’ and support service: we don’t provide you with any health or care treatments directly, but we find out what you need and connect you with the right people.
Our signposting covers all health services, not just mental health services, and we will offer advice about other services too.
What sort of help can Reconnect offer?
Some of the help we can give you:
- Face-to-face sessions before your release, to find out your needs
- ‘Meet and greet’ at the prison gates
- Registering with a GP (doctor’s surgery)
- Booking appointments and advice on getting to appointments
- Filling in forms and making applications for support
- Information on healthy living and community groups.
Who runs the Reconnect service?
The Reconnect service for Derby and Derbyshire is run by a small, friendly team who are part of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
We are based at Foston Hall and Sudbury prisons and also have offices in Derby and Chesterfield.
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides a number of health services locally like family health services, mental health services and drug and alcohol support services. We also run the gambling support service for the East Midlands. So we can quickly put you in touch with these services, as well as many others.
How do I get in contact with the Reconnect team?
- Call: 01332 389190
- Email: dhcft.derbyshirereconnect@nhs.net
- Or speak to the Resettlement Team in your prison about Reconnect.
