At the 2018 Chairman's Awards the
'Help You to Stay Healthy and Well' category
was awarded to the Sexual Health and Prison
Healthcare Teams for improving accessibility for
sexual health testing and education to men in
prison.
This Queen's University led project, funded by
the Burdett Trust for Nursing, was developed in
collaboration with the Sexual Health and Prison
Healthcare Teams in the South Eastern Health
and Social Care Trust.
'Give my Head Peace'
When a client advised that he would like to learn
how to act and enquired if there was a drama
group to attend within the Donard Centre in HMP
Maghaberry, Mental Health Team staff took the
opportunity to source this.
They found two volunteers who had their own
drama group in the community who were willing to
facilitate a drama programme/workshops within the
centre.
The aim of the programme was to boost the patients' confidence, to give them a confidential,
therapeutic space to address thoughts and emotions without judgement. This was achieved through
the use of stories, drama and games.
Initially they performed a drama which was a modern look at the nativity to an audience of staff and
other clients. After the success of this, the participants requested to do 'Give my Head Peace'. They
took inspiration from the episode 'Intimidation' adding their own twists as it applied more to prison life.
It was performed to an audience of other clients, staff and governors who then suggested it be
performed again for Tim McGarry - 'Da' from 'Give my Head Peace'.
This was facilitated and was a nerve wracking but exciting experience for all. Many clients stated that
this was something that they never thought they would have the opportunity to do and were grateful
for the experience. Mental Health staff are anticipating facilitating further drama programmes.
Prison Health Care 26
Primary Care Team PHC
The project had two strands.
Firstly, a nurse led initiative to provide asymptomatic sexual health check-ups for patients was
introduced.
Secondly, young men from Hydebank Wood Secure College participated in this project resulting
in the co-production of a short animation video, encouraging a positive approach to looking after
one's sexual health by attending check-ups. The young men were involved as co-producers in
developing the animation to ensure their voices were heard and so they could relate to the final
version.