SECURE video calls in prisons and young offender institutions (YOIs) in Yorkshire and the Humber are helping to maintain family ties and boost rehabilitation during the pandemic.

In just over six months, over 90,000 video calls have been made, connecting families in more than 100 countries, as social visits were suspended to save lives and protect the NHS.

The secure video calls are allowing prisoners to see their children take their first steps, say goodbye to terminally-ill loved ones and helping those struggling with their mental health.

It is reported that offenders with strong family ties are less likely to reoffend, while 97 per cent of prisoners say that video calls have a positive impact on their mental health.

Prisons Minister, Lucy Frazer MP , said: “Prisoners have seen drastic changes to their daily routines to protect local health services and save lives. Part of that has been the loss of social visits - something we know plays a huge role in prisoners’ well-being and rehabilitation, and these calls are allowing them to keep this vital family contact.”

The video calls take place on secure laptops in a designated area in each prison.

Safeguards are in place to prevent misuse, with all participants checked in advance, calls monitored by prison staff and restrictions built into the software to ensure safe use.