In this section I aim to find out what services Maghaberry offer

1. Healthcare and Mental Health Services

Since Maghaberry deals with a high number of people with complex needs, healthcare is a massive part of their operation:

• Primary Care: They provide standard medical, dental, and optometry services.
• Mental Health Support: The report emphasises that a large portion of the population has significant mental health challenges. There are dedicated teams to support those at risk of self-harm or suicide
• Addiction Services: They offer clinical and therapeutic support for those struggling with substance abuse, which is a major focus given the high rates of addiction among new arrivals.

2. Rehabilitation and Education

The goal is to reduce reoffending, so they provide several pathways for self-improvement:

• Vocational Training: There are workshops where prisoners can learn trades like joinery, bricklaying, and industrial cleaning.
• Education: Through partnerships (like with Belfast Met), they offer essential skills classes in literacy and numeracy, as well as higher-level qualifications.
• Therapeutic Programs: They run accredited programs to address offending behaviour, specifically targeting issues like violence and substance misuse.

3. Specialised Housing Units

Maghaberry isn't just one big block; it’s divided into specific areas based on the needs of the prisoners:

• Davis House: This is the flagship modern facility (opened in 2019/20) designed with a "rehabilitative culture" in mind. It has better lighting, acoustics, and communal spaces to encourage positive behaviour.
• Care & Supervision: For those who need to be separated from the main population for safety or disciplinary reasons.
• The Square Houses (Foyle and Erne): Although these were originally intended to stay closed, they have been brought back into service to manage the record-high prisoner numbers.

4. Family and Social Support

The report highlights that maintaining family ties is crucial for successful release:

• Video Calling: They have maintained "Virtual Visits," which allows prisoners to stay in touch with families who might struggle to travel to the prison.
• In-Person Visiting: Traditional face-to-face visits are facilitated in dedicated visiting blocks.