Ms Joyce Loughnan:

Trust is key. It is very important that a project worker can work in the prison, because it takes time to build up trust with those who are most marginalised and who have had all relationships with family, friends and community break down. It is very difficult to get them accommodation on discharge because of their past histories. The more trust we can build while they are in prison, the better. They can then start preparing for their discharge in a managed way, so there is a full care plan where we can link in all the appropriate services in the community. It is not just about having a house but having the support that allows someone to then live independently in the community where they know we will continue to provide the service for as long as they need it, most intensively upon discharge, but it could go on for years as they address the issues they have in their lives.