Digital Handbook

Making It Happen

Optional ideas informed by the EuroPris Staff Wellbeing Expert Group to help you explore the topic further and adapt approaches to your own prison service.

• Provide access to fitness facilities to strengthen physical resilience, and reduce stress, including on site gyms or sports halls (e.g., open access for all staff).

• Enable group physical activities to build stamina and team cohesion, including sports tournaments or shared exercise sessions (e.g., workplace sports leagues).

• Conduct routine physical readiness assessments to identify health risks early, including annual evaluations (e.g., fitness and self-defence refreshers).

• Ensure rapid medical access on site to protect safety, including timely access to healthcare professionals (e.g., on site doctor coverage).

• Support preventive medical screening to detect concerns early, including employer funded health checks (e.g., annual cardiac screenings).

• Deliver preventive lifestyle programmes to strengthen wellbeing, including stress management and healthy living workshops (e.g., relaxation skills courses).

• Improve ergonomic working conditions to reduce strain and prevent musculoskeletal problems, including workstation assessments and suitable equipment (e.g., adjustable chairs and desks, monitor stands).

• Ensure functional, task appropriate uniforms to enhance safety and comfort, including designs suited to varied conditions (e.g., breathable workwear designed for mobility and protection).

• Create structured recovery opportunities to reduce physical tension, including massage or relaxation sessions (e.g., wellbeing days, shared leisure activities).

• Balance workload and rest to protect long term health, including flexible breaks where possible (e.g., flexible breaks or rota adjustments during peak periods, regular workload assessments).

• Promote everyday self care to build healthy habits, including guidance on sleep, movement and nutrition (e.g., regular wellbeing messaging, quality time off).