Posted on: 2 June 2020
A large but unused room at HMP Bronzefield has been turned into a staff ‘oasis’ to provide temporary respite away from the stresses and pressures in the prison thanks to the CNWL Charitable Fund.
It has become a tranquil and pampering space where staff will get treated to various health and beauty treatments from the high street brand LUSH.
The staff room SPA will also be open to prison staff.
Sensing that anxiety levels were high, Service Lead David Van de Velde realised he needed to do something and following a team brain-storming session came up with the idea of an area in which people could take a brief moment to relax and unwind during this challenging time.
Taking inspiration from Project Wingman - an initiative from the airline industry that provides support to NHS frontline staff - he secured £700 worth of funding.
Other prisons are keen to replicate this model and are working on similar projects as CNWL charitable funds are still seeking further applications for grants.
The health team at HMP Bronzefield looks after the mental health needs of some of the most vulnerable and forgotten women in society.
But, since the start of Covid-19, there has been an increase in referrals while the prison copes with lower levels of staff. Their role is complicated further with all prisons now in lockdown.
The CNWL Charitable Fund receives donations and pays out grants which benefit the patients, service users and carers of its services.
Its vision is 'to create a world where ordinary people are empowered to do extraordinary things and achieve outstanding outcomes, for the benefit of all regardless of whether they have, or care for someone, with a physical or mental illness.'
People can donate to the charity via this link.
The charity has set up a separate appeal where members of the public can show support for the dedicated NHS staff who are working in the fight against Covid-19.
For details of this appeal click here.