Background Grief is a normal response to death that can affect everyone, but the prison environment with its logistical and security concerns can negatively impact on the grieving process. Factors associated with people in prison include high rates of trauma, multiple bereavements and mental illness. The prevailing culture of masculinity can result in disenfranchised grief and increased risk of complicated grief for the person in prison (Vaswani. Criminal Justice Matters. 2015; 102(1): 59–60).

Aim To create an environment for more open discussions about loss and grief and to upskill prison staff and increase their confidence in approaching this sensitive subject.

Method We developed a community of practice (CoP) where staff could explore current models of support for bereaved people in prison. Through this, we were successful in providing an opportunity for prison staff to increase their knowledge and confidence when having discussions about loss and grief and offered the provision of hospice bereavement experts to support the staff in their development and implementation of their learning.

Results A total of 55 prison staff across teams attended the CoP. These staff have reported that the project has improved their knowledge and confidence to be able to recognise when a prisoner needs bereavement support and to engage in a conversation with a prisoner around bereavement. They have also reported improved confidence in recognising their own emotional needs and seeking support in relation to loss, grief and bereavement.

Conclusion Sustainable relationships have been established between the hospice and the local prison service. Internal prison teams have developed connections and have a better understanding of each other’s roles. Prison staff have reported increased knowledge and confidence to better enable them to support prisoners through loss and grief. A programme of learning was developed which can be replicated in other prisons to help staff support bereaved prisoners as well as each other.