Former EastEnders actor and BAFTA award-winning investigative journalist, Ross Kemp, visited the all-male HMP Belmarsh today to officially launch and open the prison’s refurbished drug and alcohol recovery suite.
The recovery suite, which is run by CRI, one of the UKs largest drug and alcohol rehabilitation charities, encourages and empowers 250 clients at any given time, to tackle their problems with addiction, reduce reoffending and lead healthier lives both within and beyond prison.
Ross Kemp was joined at the opening at HMP Belmarsh by the prison’s Governor, Simon Cartwright, as well as CRI’s Executive Director, Mike Pattinson. On opening the recovery suite, Ross Kemp said:
"Issues surrounding drugs and alcohol have played a major part in the places I have visited in my capacity as an investigative journalist. In Afghanistan, the drugs pay for the weapons, in El Salvador and Honduras, people get killed because of drugs and alcohol. In life it can be very easy to fall prey to drugs and alcohol abuse but not so easy to realise that you have a problem with it. The initiative that exists at this prison, led by CRI and the Pathways to Recovery team, is extremely important. When you are faced with issues you think that no one will understand, the Peer Mentors that work with the service users, aiding them on their recovery, is vital. Having someone who has gone through the same issues that you have, who is relatable, is essential and I wish the team and the service users at HMP Belmarsh every success in their lives."
The suite is a designated area within the prison, which is used by the CRI Pathways to Recovery team, to deliver psychosocial interventions and support offenders in addressing their drug and alcohol use, and create opportunities for the future.
The team also includes Peer Mentors who are serving a custodial sentence and are in recovery from addiction themselves. They have been specially trained and gained a qualification to help and support new offenders from both a personal and professional perspective
Governor Simon Cartwright, HMP Belmarsh said:
“Serving a custodial sentence while going through problems relating to drug and alcohol misuse can be a real struggle. The enthusiasm of the Pathways to Recovery team in helping the offenders on their way to living substance free lives is really outstanding. We are so grateful that Ross Kemp could take time out of his busy schedule to join us in opening our new and improved rehabilitation ward at Belmarsh. I know that the service users really appreciated him being there.”
Mike Pattinson, CRI Executive Director said:
"We are delighted to be opening the new and improved recovery suite at HMP Belmarsh, and we are looking forward to continuing to provide focused treatment programmes to offenders who are struggling with substance misuse issues. The Pathways to Recovery team have been working very hard for over ten years helping the prisoners by addressing substance misuse and its links to repeat reoffending. The team also train service users to support and motivate fellow prisoners who are working towards recovery, enabling them to lead independent and purposeful lives. We work closely with commissioners and prison managers to continually enhance the services we have been able to offer. This has led to a renewed focus on recovery, both in the prison and the community, family reconciliation and the continual involvement of prisoners as peers and role models."