Sodexo

 

 

Information for the family and friends of residents at HMP Forest Bank

As we continue to make progress against the Covid-19 virus, we now look forward to easing restrictions across HMP Forest Bank.

I know many of you are looking forward to visiting family members and loved ones. Let me reassure you that social visits are at the top of my agenda and I am looking forward to the day we can welcome you back to the prison.

On Monday 29 March 2021 the Prison Service announced that prisons who have achieved ‘Stage 3’ status in the national framework for prisons can restart social visits.

Since then, staff and residents at Forest Bank have been working hard to progress from the current Stage 4 (lockdown) regime to stage 3 (restricted). HMP Forest Bank is now being considered for stage 3 status based on the following criteria:

• The prison must have Covid-19 infection rates under control.
• Covid-19 testing and case monitoring must be happening.
• A prison must have enough staff to support any activities.
• The outside community must be at alert level 3 or lower.

Once we have achieved Stage 3 status, we will re-introduce social visits and I hope to update you again in the next couple of weeks with confirmation of when visits can commence.

Please note that during the lockdown period, we will continue to consider visits for exceptional compassionate cases, which should be agreed in advance with the prison. Purple Visits are also available - please click here for more information.

The changes coming over the next few weeks and months will see us move through tiered stages that will present further opportunities to open more of the regime, such as introducing small resident group activities and opening essential workshops.

I know this remains a worrying time for members of staff, residents and families. I want to reassure you that we continue to monitor and review the Covid-19 threat with our partners at HMPPS, PHE and Salford City Council.

Our priority remains the same - to protect the safety and wellbeing of everyone living and working at Forest Bank. We will only move to engage in the easing of restrictions, when there is evidence that the infection in our prison is minimal and reflects those levels in the wider community.

As we progress to stage 3, I want to thank both staff and residents for their hard work, commitment, understanding and determination throughout the pandemic.

As always, I also appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for your continued support

Matt Spencer

Director