CompletedInterventional

Empowered Together (coordinated social care in prison)

The 'Empowered Together' study aims to improve social care for adult men in prison. Social care helps people who struggle with everyday tasks due to health problems. Currently, social care in prisons isn't as good as outside, and this study wants to change that. Researchers will test a new approach called 'Empowered Together' in several prisons. They'll compare it to usual care to see if it makes a difference. Participants will be men aged 18 and over, with at least 7 months left on their sentence, who are thought to need social care. The study involves questionnaires, interviews, and observing care. Ultimately, the goal is to make social care better for prisoners who need it, now and in the future.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

426

Start

01 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Social care needs of adult men in prison who are at risk of having unmet needs

What is this study about?

Imagine needing a bit of help with everyday things like getting washed, dressed, or keeping your home tidy because of health issues. This kind of support is called social care. Outside of prison, there are services to help people with these needs, but it seems there aren't enough good services inside prisons. This study, called 'Empowered Together', wants to make that better.

The main aim of this research is to test a new way of providing social care to men in prison. They've developed a special plan called 'Empowered Together' and want to see if it works well. The study hopes to find out if this new approach can truly improve the lives of prisoners who need support, helping them with their daily living and connecting with others.

This research is important because it could lead to better care for people in prison who are struggling. By understanding what works best, the study can help shape future social care services in prisons across the UK, making sure that those who need help get the right support.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve social care for men in prison.
It tests a new 'Empowered Together' approach against usual care.
Participants will complete questionnaires and some will have interviews.
It could help future prisoners get better support.
Support is available if talking about challenges makes you feel upset.
You can stop taking part at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be an adult man, aged 18 or older, and living in one of the prisons that are involved in the study. You also need to have at least seven months left to serve on your sentence.

Another important point is that the research team will check if you are likely to need social care. This means they will look to see if you have difficulties with daily tasks. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part. If you are already receiving social care under the Care Act, you won't be able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult man (18 years or older)?
Are you currently in a prison involved in the study?
Do you have at least 7 months left on your sentence?
Do you have some difficulties with daily tasks that might mean you need social care?
Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?
Are you not currently receiving a social care package under the Care Act?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study has different stages over several years. If you take part, you might be asked to complete questionnaires about your daily life and needs. Some participants will also be asked to have interviews with researchers to talk about their experiences. The study will look at two different groups: one group will receive the new 'Empowered Together' care, and the other will get the usual care that is currently available in the prison. Researchers will compare these groups over time to see if the new approach makes a difference. The total duration of your individual involvement will vary depending on which part of the study you are in, but the overall study runs for several years.

Potential risks and benefits

A possible benefit of taking part is that the study could help improve social care for other prisoners in the future who need support. This means that even if you don't notice a direct change yourself, your participation contributes to making things better for others. On the other hand, there's a small chance that discussing your daily challenges and needs during interviews might make you feel upset. If this happens, you'll be offered support and advice from researchers, prison staff, healthcare staff, or a trained listener. Remember, you can choose to stop taking part in the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (2)

Hmp Liverpool
Approximate
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Hmp Risley
City only
Preston, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is social care?

Social care helps people who find daily tasks difficult because of health problems. This can include help with washing, dressing, or connecting with others.

How long will this study last?

The study is expected to run from February 2025 to January 2030, but your personal involvement might be shorter.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in the UK.

Where will the study take place?

The first part will be in HMP Liverpool and HMP Risley. Later, it will expand to six to eight more prisons in the UK.

What if I feel upset during an interview?

If you get upset, you can talk to the researcher, prison staff, healthcare staff, or a trained listener for support and advice.

How to find out more

Emily Egan

emily.egan@manchester.ac.uk +353 834824527 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.