Speakers
Parallel Workshops
Across Northern Ireland’s prison establishments, safety and support are being strengthened through innovative, person-centred approaches that recognise the diverse and complex needs of those in custody.
At Maghaberry Prison, initiatives focus on supporting individuals with neurodiversity, low cognitive functioning, and limited coping or social skills. Through tailored activities, specialised programmes, staff training, multidisciplinary collaboration, and environmental adaptations such as quieter spaces, the prison aims to build resilience, improve wellbeing, and reduce incidents by creating a more responsive and inclusive environment.
At Magilligan Prison, safety is embedded as an organisational culture rather than a reactive function. The Safer Custody team delivers support from arrival through to ongoing integration, underpinned by strong partnership working with prison departments, external agencies, and families. The approach emphasises therapeutic engagement, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement, with practical case studies demonstrating how person-centred interventions contribute to positive and sustainable outcomes.
At Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women’s Prison, the Safety and Support team has developed flexible approaches for individuals with complex mental health needs, personality disorders, autism, neurodiversity, trauma-related behaviours, and emotional dysregulation. By adapting interventions to individual needs, fostering emotional safety, providing low-stimulation spaces, introducing sensory supports, and encouraging participation in creative initiatives such as prison radio, the team promotes engagement, confidence, and social connection.
Together, these approaches demonstrate how dignity, collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to understanding individual needs can enhance safety, wellbeing, and rehabilitation across custodial settings.
