1/ @CommonsJustice @neill_bob will this pm quiz @lucyfrazermp @Nacro @UserVoice on support for prison-leavers during #Covid19.

We are still seeing many men released without the basic means to stay safe and well. Urgent action is needed to protect publish health & the NHShttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👇" title="Down pointing backhand index" aria-label="Emoji: Down pointing backhand index">

2/ Together with @Spark_Inside @band_brothersuk @ZMTRUST @StandOutPP we are highlighting four areas for immediate action by @MoJGovUK @hmpps @CEOofHMPPS @RobertBuckland.

Alongside safe housing these are vital steps needed to support 5000+ people leaving prison every month:

3/ No.1: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💳" title="Credit card" aria-label="Emoji: Credit card">Access to financehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💳" title="Credit card" aria-label="Emoji: Credit card">

Universal Credit delays are leaving many with just £46 for 5+ weeks. Switchback is providing food vouchers so people can eat.

The £46 discharge grant hasn& #39;t changed since 1996; it should be raised significantly to plug the benefits gap.

4/ No2: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="📲" title="Mobile phone with rightwards arrow at left" aria-label="Emoji: Mobile phone with rightwards arrow at left">Access to technologyhttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="📲" title="Mobile phone with rightwards arrow at left" aria-label="Emoji: Mobile phone with rightwards arrow at left">

Many prison-leavers don& #39;t have a phone and so can& #39;t apply for benefits or access vital support online/remotely.

Switchback & other orgs are providing basic smartphones with data for some. @hmpps should offer for all who need one at the gate.

5/ No.3: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⚠" title="Warning sign" aria-label="Emoji: Warning sign">Information & guidancehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⚠" title="Warning sign" aria-label="Emoji: Warning sign">

We are seeing many prison-leavers unaware of new distancing & travel guidance to protect themselves & others.

Everyone should receive clear advice & guidance at the gate about staying healthy & safe during #Covid19.

6/ No.4: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💫" title="Dizzy symbol" aria-label="Emoji: Dizzy symbol">Access to voluntary sector supporthttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💫" title="Dizzy symbol" aria-label="Emoji: Dizzy symbol">

Release has suddenly become even more challenging, just as probation support has thinned further.

Specialist charities are well placed to help. @MoJGovUK should provide an Emergency Resettlement Fund to boost #VCS remote support.

7/ While Switchback and other charities are doing our best to support prison-leavers remotely, we can& #39;t reach everyone.

We& #39;re seeing first hand how crucial these steps are to protect lives during #COVID19.

8/ We are grateful that @CommonsJustice @neill_bob are highlighting support for prison-leavers and we urge members to raise these issues with the government.

Read our full joint submission here: https://switchback.org.uk/update-action-needed-to-support-prison-leavers-during-covid-19/">https://switchback.org.uk/update-ac...

@JamesDalyMP @meaglemp @elliereeves @hammersmithandy @MarieRimmer @KieranMullanUK @JHowellUK @Dines4Dales @RobBAylesbury.

And we tagged the wrong User Voice - @uservoiceorg our apologies!