Reconnect Care after custody

RECONNECT – Care after Custody is a national NHS England commissioned service. For Lancashire and Cumbria this service is delivered by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCft).

RECONNECT in Lancashire and Cumbria will cover HMP Kirkham, HMP Lancaster Farms, HMP Preston, HMP Wymott, HMP Haverigg, HMP Garth and the wider geographical footprint of Lancashire and Cumbria.

RECONNECT seeks to improve the continuity of health and care needs of vulnerable people leaving prison by working with them before they leave and support their transition to community-based services, thereby safeguarding health gains made whilst in prison.

RECONNECT will:

• Offer support and release planning to individuals aged 18yrs and over with a health or care need for up to 12 weeks prior to release, as soon as they are referred within the 12 weeks prior to release or within 28 days of release from prison.
• Offer support for up to 6 months post-release date to access and facilitate engagement with the appropriate health or care service in the community as well as other relevant support services.
• Undertake assessment of the appropriateness of the referral and gain patient consent: assessment to include identification of physical and/or mental health vulnerabilities, substance misuse needs, alongside barriers that may impact the patient’s ability/motivation to engage with community-healthcare services and/or support services upon their release.