Getting it right for everyone (GIRFE) toolkit

Supporting people leaving prison - the support bag

Though created for prison release, the support bag offers a flexible model that focuses on providing essential resources and dignity that can aid various transitions (e.g., hospital to home, homelessness to housing) by addressing specific needs.

In the prison context, many people feared being unsafe, lacking support, routine and stigmatisation on liberation. Some faced leaving prison with their belongings in a plastic bag.

Providing a basic sports bag containing essential items and information to people leaving prison helped ease their transition back into the community.  The key components are:

• a sports bag
• basic supplies such as toiletries and underwear
• a local area map and travel passes
• information signposting people to relevant services

Approach 

The support bag provides a personalised approach where a core set of items is included along with a ‘pick and mix’ option for individuals to choose items specific to their needs.

Support

Trained staff discuss the needs and goals with people before release, using a checklist to select items for the bag.

Timeline

A schedule is in place to ensure the support bag is ready for the person on release day. The timeline could be:

• 4 weeks before: discuss needs, goals, basic supplies, and relevant services
• 3 weeks before: finalise the checklist, including specific needs like clothing size, and order the bag
• 2 weeks before: update the person on progress
• 1 week before: confirm the bag's arrival and availability
• Day of liberation: present the support bag

Checklist