HMP Shotts to become Scotland’s first dementia-friendly prison

Alzheimer Scotland is engaging with staff and prisoners to deliver Dementia Friends workshops and information sessions in the prison, making both staff and prisoners more aware of how the illness could affect the ageing prison population.

Scott Cringles, skills and employability unit manager at HMP Shotts, told The Scotsman: “HMP Shotts is really proud to be the first prison in Scotland to link in with Alzheimer Scotland for both staff and prisoner dementia awareness sessions.

“With both an ageing prisoner and staff population this partnership with Alzheimer Scotland has really given us something to focus on and we intend to build stronger links and awareness sessions for staff and prisoners going forward.

“The sessions we have already delivered in partnership has seen some staff and prisoners look for more information as clearly Dementia can affect anyone.”

Lorna Hart, dementia advisor with Alzheimer Scotland, added: “We are continually working with the HMP Shotts to help raise awareness of dementia due to the increasing ageing population of the prisoners and its workforce.

“Dementia friendly information sessions aim to help increase much needed awareness of dementia, support people living with dementia to live well with the illness and also sets out to tackle stigma and improve inclusion.

“During our discussions with staff, we have looked at ways to create dementia friendly environments including the workplace itself and the layout of the cells.

“We hope that this partnership will have a positive impact for the prison and for the staff. By increasing understanding of dementia they can also inform their own family and friends which in turn provides more knowledge to the wider community.

“We look forward to working further with HMP Shotts helping them towards their ambition to becoming a dementia friendly prison.”