Many people in prison are disadvantaged in terms of the recognition of their rights or their receiving appropriate services because their voice is not heard or listened to. Independent advocacy is a well-recognised medium for enabling vulnerable people to have their feelings, wishes and needs acknowledged by those whose decisions may have a significant bearing upon the person’s life. There is a large body of evidence concerning the vulnerability of prisoners.

Bristol Mind will continue to offer a weekly one to one advocacy service at HMP Bristol and HMP Eastwood Park to support people to have their wishes and needs acknowledged, and access to the rights to which they are entitled. The service offers practical support; letter writing, provision of information, telephone contact with other agencies etc. to support people in the resolution of internal or external problems or issues affecting people within prison.