APPG completes inquiry on physical activity within prisons
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Sport and Physical Activity in the Criminal Justice System has completed its independent inquiry into physical activity within the Custodial Estate of England and Wales, and will publish its findings and recommendations later this summer.
The Inquiry commenced in January 2024 with a call for evidence, and comprised of four APPG meetings which focused on the Adult Male Estate, the Youth Justice Estate, VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) organisations that work in Criminal Justice, and the Female Estate.
The aim of the inquiry was to understand what facilities, approaches and interventions exist that are suitable for delivering physical activity and sport, and therefore the rehabilitation of those in the Secure Estate. It also aimed to explore the progress that has been made since the Sporting Chance: Independent Review of Sport in Justice report was published in 2018, and identify models of effective practice and explore barriers to delivery and scaling up.
VALUABLE
Written and oral evidence gathered during the inquiry will contribute to a final report which will encapsulate findings and recommendations, and offer valuable guidance for government action aimed at improving access to physical activity within prisons.
The final meeting of the inquiry, on the Female Estate, was delayed due to the General Election and took place this month at the House of Lords. It was attended by key stakeholders and lived experience advocates ranging from HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to VCSE organisations such as parkrun and The Prison Phoenix Trust, and high-profile individuals, Katya Jones, professional dancer and choreographer, and former Olympic athlete Aimee Fuller.
APPG Co-chair Baroness Sater told meeting attendees: “We hope that this inquiry will help all of us to move forward in a positive way. We know there are problems, but we want to come away with some really good recommendations. We want to hear from you on what you think we can do to change things, and how you think we can impact the situation we have at the moment.”
Issues discussed ranged from the availability and suitability of sportswear and facilities to staff training, language and the perception of women’s sport in prisons, and from food, nutrition and wellbeing to accessibility and prison design.
Katya gave an inspiring account of one of her visits to a prison, and how she and Aimee had used movement and dance to build trust and relationships with the women there. She said: “Before long we were talking about Strictly Come Dancing, and how they love it. They didn’t feel like they were the outsiders anymore, they were just part of this group having a good time. Dance and movement can make them feel good, it gives them an escape, and physically makes them active. And thinking further, there is a method… they need to have little wins, to stay motivated and to carry on.”
The Strictly Come Dancing star called for more action to improve conditions and facilities, and Baroness Sater responded: “The recommendations in this report will go to the people who can potentially help to deliver what is needed.”
PRO-SOCIAL
The overall inquiry was launched in the wake of alarming reports highlighting the adverse effects of physical inactivity on individuals within the secure estate. This stood in stark contrast to a growing body of evidence indicating that engaging in physical activity and sports can play a pivotal role in promoting healthier, pro-social lifestyles and reducing reoffending rates.
Overseen by APPG Officers Baroness Sater and Lord Wasserman, and supported by the Alliance of Sport in its role as Secretariat for the APPG, the following organisations were represented at the meetings:
Adult Male Estate (May 2024): HMPPS; HMP Berwyn; HMP & YOI Prison Brinsford; HMP & YOI Feltham; HMP Five Wells; NHS England; Twinning Project; Fulham Reach Boat Club; University of Bath; University of Oxford.
Youth Justice Estate (May 2024): HMPPS; Hillside Secure Children’s Home; Vinney Green Secure Children’s Home; HMP & YOI Parc; NHS Foundation Trust; Youth Custody Service; Youth Justice Board; Be Inspired; Sports Connect.
VCSE organisations working in Criminal Justice (May 2024): Activity Hub Bristol; Run For Your Life; The Feathers Association; The 180 Project; parkrun; Steel Warriors; 3Pillars Project; University of Bath; Active Lancashire; Cell Workout; RECOOP; 100&First Foundation; Street Soccer London.
Female Estate (May 2025): Ministry of Justice; HMPPS; HMP Send; HMP New Hall; HMP/YOI Drake Hall; Royal Holloway, University of London; Novus; Storm Break; parkrun; Evolve-Denim; Prison Pheonix Trust; Boats Not Bars.