Recognising families as key partners in rehabilitation is central to achieving better outcomes for individuals in custody, children, families and communities. This session explores how meaningful collaboration between statutory services and the voluntary and community sector can improve outcomes for individuals in custody and their families through partnership working and family‑centred practice.
The session will provide an honest reflection on the realities and challenges of partnership working in custodial settings, including security constraints, stigma, communication barriers and information‑sharing. Particular attention will be given to the impact of imprisonment on children and partners, and how collaborative, family‑focused approaches can mitigate harm and reduce isolation and trauma. Attendees will hear directly from families with lived experience of imprisonment, including participation in peer support initiatives.
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Rachel Long
Director of Operations at Niacro, NIACRO, Northern Ireland
Rachel Long, Director of Operations at Niacro (a charity focused on reducing crime and supporting people with convictions) is a senior leader who oversees Niacros day to day services and programmes. She spent 17 years with Niacro embedding early intervention projects and managing services for children, families and adults with criminal convictions. She also served as Assistant Director at Barnardo’s NI before returning to Niacro as Director of Operations, leading organisational services in line with strategy values. A strategic leader and ambassador for the third sector, Rachel has built strong relationships across government and the voluntary sector.
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Cathy Russell
Governor - Unit Manager, Northern Ireland Prison Service, United Kingdom
Cathy Russell joined the Northern Ireland Prison Service in 2012. She served 4 years as a Custody Prison Officer working in HMP Maghaberry – Northern Ireland’s only Category A prison. She progressed from CPO to Senior Officer in 2016 and in 2020 oversaw the opening of Davis House, HMP Maghaberry’s newly built multi-million pound state of the art accommodation. She was temporarily promoted to the role of Governor- Unit Manager of the High Security Estate within HMP Maghaberry. As a successful applicant to be part of NIPS Future Leaders Scheme Cathy had the opportunity to work as a Governor across all establishments in Northern Ireland in areas of Rehabilitation, Lifer Management, Residential, Strengthening Family Relations, Security & Operations and upon graduation of the scheme now has responsibility for the Male and Female Residential function within Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison.
