Many people in our community are adjusting to life with different levels of isolation depending on their health, work, school and family situations. In our local prisons the current crisis brings a new complexity to life in the prison. The staff are doing an incredible job to balance their role in public protection and rehabilitation whilst continuing to look after people with humanity and care.

In accordance with government guidance on social distancing and restrictions to keep people safe and well, prison regimes are significantly impacted and family and friends visits have stopped. Consequently men and women in prison are spending 23 hours in their cells, with brief opportunities to complete domestics such as having a shower.

At our local prison, HMP Winchester, the staff have been working hard to support their prisoners through this challenging time. There is a lot of good work going on and in the last week they have launched an initiative to support prisoners and increase their access to activities that can support and occupy them. This increases safety within the prison particularly in relation to the mental well-being of those in custody.

If you have any spare board games, playing cards or puzzles (up to 500 pieces) that you would be willing to donate in order for the prison to run a loans scheme through their library, your donations would be gratefully received. Card games and two player games would be particularly welcome. Please be aware that they would not be able to accept games with batteries.

If you are not able to contribute in this way please do remember the Prison and Probation Services, prisoners, service users, families and victims of crime in your prayers at this challenging time.

Any donations can be taken to The Vicarage, 36 Brookvale Road, SO17 1QR, and left in the plastic box on the porch.