By Ellena Costello, Operations Manager, ICPO London
\nThe Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO) is a charitable organisation established in 1985 in response to the needs of Irish people imprisoned overseas. As the number of Irish people in prison in England and Wales grew, a dedicated London office was established in the early 1990s. Today, ICPO continues to provide advice, information and practical support to Irish people in prison, as well as to their families and loved ones.
\nOperating from offices in Maynooth and London, ICPO supports Irish people affected by imprisonment both internationally and across England and Wales. The Maynooth office works with Irish people imprisoned around the world, providing support on issues such as repatriation, deportation, health concerns, legal matters and resettlement in Ireland following release.
\nAt ICPO London, our team of 4 Caseworkers supports Irish people in prison across 123 prisons in England and Wales. At any one time, we work with between 900 and 1,000 people and significantly, between 40% and 50% of those we support identify as being from an Irish Traveller background.
\nThis overrepresentation reflects wider inequalities experienced by Irish Travellers within society and the criminal justice system. Many of the people we support face additional barriers while in prison, including discrimination, poor mental health, social isolation, limited family contact and a lack of understanding of Irish Traveller culture. These challenges can have a significant impact on an individual’s wellbeing and ability to access support.
\nOne of the key areas of our work is empowering people to advocate for themselves. We encourage Irish Travellers in prison to disclose their ethnicity so that prisons are aware of their cultural identity and can provide culturally appropriate support where available. Some individuals are understandably reluctant to disclose their ethnicity due to fears of discrimination or because of previous negative experiences. By raising awareness of the importance of disclosure and supporting individuals throughout the process, ICPO London aims to improve access to services and ensure that Travellers are recognised and represented within the prison system.
\nReducing isolation is another important part of our work. Being in prison can be an extremely lonely experience, particularly for those who are a long distance from family and community networks. To help address this, ICPO London provides a variety of in-cell resources, including books, CDs, puzzles, colouring materials, religious resources and wellbeing guides, which are all culturally relevant and appropriate. We also maintain regular contact through newsletters, cards, letters and emails, helping individuals feel connected and remembered. Our Penfriend Scheme offers an additional source of social connection, matching volunteers with individuals in prison who would benefit from regular correspondence.
\nThe impact of imprisonment often extends to entire families and communities. Many families face financial strain, emotional distress and practical challenges when supporting a loved one in prison. ICPO works with families to provide advice, information and emotional support. We host Family Information Days and online coffee mornings giving opportunity for families to connect with others who understand their experiences.
\nICPO London is committed to celebrating and promoting Romany (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller culture. Each year, we support and participate in events across prisons in England and Wales as part of Romany (Gypsy), Roma and Traveller History Month in June. These events provide an opportunity to celebrate heritage, culture and achievements while also increasing understanding of Traveller communities. History Month plays an important role in educating prison staff, people in prison and partner organisations, helping to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma and prejudice, and foster a more inclusive environment.
\nICPO aims to ensure that Irish people in prison overseas, and their families, are treated with dignity, compassion and respect wherever they are in the world. Through advocacy, practical support and meaningful human connection, we strive to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and help individuals maintain hope for the future.
\nIf you are supporting someone in prison who you believe could benefit from our services, please get in touch.
\nICPO London Email: info@icpolondon.org Telephone: 0204 511 7070
\nPost: PO Box 81835, London, SE18 9TY Website: www.icpolondon.org
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