HMP Maghaberry has recently achieved Autism NI’s Impact Award reaccreditation, demonstrating their commitment to inclusion for autistic and neurodivergent people in custody, their visitors and their staff team.
A range of staff members have received tailored training from Autism NI and implemented a bespoke action plan of adjustments across their organisation, to build an inclusive service and workplace. This has included an Assisted Visits Scheme, which provided inclusive support and an adapted environment for autistic visitors.
Feedback from the Assisted Visit scheme highlighted that both prisoners and their family members visiting felt more connected to each other and less anxious about the visits, building positive outcomes for everyone involved. One family noted that ‘this visit really benefited our 7 year old child…it really settled him and comforted him seeing his Dad’.
Autism NI’s Director of Development, Christine Kearney said “We are delighted that HMP Maghaberry has achieved the Impact Award reaccreditation. The organisation has implemented a range of practical and meaningful changes to promote accessibility for those in custody, their families and their staff team.”
“The feedback from the Assisted Visits scheme is really impressive. Ensuring family visits are accessible and inclusive helps people in custody sustain important family bonds, which can positively contribute to their personal development and rehabilitation.”
Autism NI work alongside autistic people and their families, and build partnerships that champion better understanding, accessibility, and services for our autism community. The Impact Award is available for a range of organisations, to build their inclusive approach for clients, customers and employees.
