Abstract

Launched in June 2020, Bowman Wellbeing Activity Packs were provided by Care After Combat to UK military veterans in prison, in an effort to mitigate against the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This evaluation report, by the University of Lincoln, presents an analysis of feedback data which was designed and collated by Care After Combat. The feedback data sought to explore the following:
1) An assessment of the utility of the packs to incarcerated veterans.
2) An assessment of what impact the well-being packs on incarcerated veteran well-being, sense of community and hope.
3) Identify how well-being packs might be improved for the future.
Key Findings:
• Wellbeing Activity Packs helped to mediate experiences of loneliness, keep recipients motivated and provide a sense of hope
• A sense of community was fostered through receipt of and engagement with the Wellbeing Activity Packs
• Pack activities can work to foster and mobilise social capital
Recommendations:
1. The need for continued implementation of the packs and further wraparound support within the prison estate for particularly the most vulnerable veterans.
2. Pack recipients indicate experiences of unmet physical health needs which can limit full pack engagement
3. Communication processes within prisons can sometimes impede incarcerated veterans’
awareness of support available from CAC: when restrictions are lifted a review of support information access and dissemination may be beneficial. It may also be of benefit that important CAC communications are repeated to ensure maximum reach in view of this
barrier.