A free independent advocacy service has been launched to support
families who have lost loved ones in prison custody.
Advocacy workers will offer practical and emotional support that
is trauma-informed and tailored to the needs of each family. This
will include helping bereaved families to understand and navigate
the processes that can follow a death in custody, including fatal
accident inquiries.
The service, provided by independent advocacy organisation
AdvoCard, was developed with input from those who have
experienced such a loss.
Justice Secretary said:
Every death in custody is a tragedy, and my thoughts are with the
families affected. Keeping people safe in our prisons continues
to be a top priority.
"For families who have lost a loved one in prison custody, shock
and grief can be compounded by the investigations, legal
processes and inquiries that follow. These can be complex and
distressing, and no one should have to face them alone.
"This new free independent advocacy service will guide families
through each step and make sure their voices are heard. I am
grateful to the families who courageously shared their
experiences and helped to shape the service so that others facing
the same loss can get the support they need."
Susan McGregor, whose brother died in prison custody, said
"As well as the heartbreak of losing my brother, we did not know
what would happen next and then we were faced with complicated
reviews and legal processes, which just added to the grief.
I am pleased that with the launch of the AdvoCard service, other
families in a similar position will be able to access support to
help guide them through all this."
AdvoCard CEO Arlene Astley said:
"We support families through what can often be complex processes,
including Deaths in Prison Learning and Audit Reviews (DIPLAR),
NHS Significant Adverse Event Reviews and Fatal Accident
Inquiries.
Our dedicated advocacy workers offer one-to-one support, helping
families understand these processes, to have their voices heard,
and to access the information and support they need throughout
their journey.'
Background
The advocacy service is for families and next of kin of people
who have died in prison custody in Scotland.
You can refer yourself, or be referred by the Scottish Prison
Service, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, NHS
Scotland, Police Scotland, or another organisation supporting
you. Phone: 0808 196 3525 Email: advocacysupport@advocard.org.ukOnline:
www.advocard.org.uk Post:
AdvoCard, Duncan Place Resource Centre, 4 Duncan Place, Leith,
EH6 8HW
