Connect

Introduction

What does it really mean to be connected? At Lowdham Grange we have made creative use of the technology of today to ensure our prisoners can feel "connected".

The On-Wing ATM is more than just a fancy piece of new technology. From one terminal a prisoner can access many benefits.

Using a picture based menu he can access and order shop items. Real time access to account details and the facility to print a mini statement enable a prisoner to maintain control of his account. Using his pin he can top up his phone balance.

All of these things enable a prisoner to take both control and responsibility for his needs.

Like all good initiatives, this one is still growing. In the future we plan to introduce real time visits booking service and visit time enquiry; the facility for prisoners to pre-order their meals for the week ahead and an activity management system which will display the prisoners activity for the day or week ahead.

We have In-Cell IT offering controlled education on demand. This technology enables prisoners to develop their skills in English and number work, among other things. With a screen, keyboard and a mouse they can access a central terminal and take part in furthering their own education. There is no access to the internet or other networks, thus making this a 'safe' use of this powerful technology.

And finally we have In-Cell Phones providing controlled communication on demand. Providing greater family contact, 24 hours a day without the need to queue, ensures that our prisoners feel supported and able to access greater privacy for calls to family.

These innovations offer our prisoners access to the very resources many of us take for granted, without which vital opportunities for their education and development of life skills will be seriously impaired.