UPDATE ON RESOLUTION ON
"INAPPROPRIATE IMPRISONMENT
OF THE SEVERELY MENTALLY ILL"

"The National Federation of Women's Institutes welcomes this report, and believes it is a huge step forward in recognising that much more needs to be done to divert people with mental health problems away from prisons.

We believe that prison is often not the right place for people with mental health problems and diversion could improve many lives and save a lot of money in the long term.

We will be urging the government to make a strong commitment to turn Lord Bradley's recommendations into real action on the ground, with an initial focus on the mental health needs of female offenders, and the wider effects on their families."

ENDS

For further information please contact the NFWI press office on  020 7371 9300 or pr@nfwi.org.uk

Notes to editors:

The WI is the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK with more than 205,000 members in 6,500 WIs.  It plays a unique role in enabling women to develop new skills, giving them opportunities to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities, and provides wide-ranging activities for members to get involved in.

For further information please visit www.theWI.org.uk
In 2008 the NFWI passed a resolution on the inappropriate imprisonment of people with mental health problems.  As part of its campaign the so far WI members have been visiting prisons and women's centres around the country.  The NFWI has hosted a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons bringing together politicians from all parties and charities from the health and prison sectors.  Fay Mansell, Chair of the NFWI has met with Ministers Maria Eagle and Lord Bradley, and the WI members have also been raising awareness in their local communities.

HOME