ACTION ALERT: GET TAYLOR TO HMP FOSTON HALL
Taylor is a trans IPP prisoner. His tariff to serve before his first parole was 4 years. He is now in his 10th year inside. Taylor has been subject to immense abuse within the prison system and has severe problems with self-harm. He was in a coma for a week in April this year after taking an overdose. Taylor needs to get out at his parole hearing in February 2019. This will be a matter of life and death.
Ahead of his parole, it is imperative for Taylor to complete a CARE course, designed to meet the needs of prisoners with mental health problems who self-harm. To take part in this course, Taylor must be transferred to Foston Hall. However, he has been refused a transfer for no legitimate reason.
Please take action to make sure Taylor is transferred to Foston Hall and then out of the hellish prison system.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Write to HMP Foston Hall and HMP Downview: you can use the templates below, but we recommend you put this into your own words if possible. Please let Smash IPP know if you’ve written to so we know people are responding and fighting for Taylor.
Write to Taylor: Send Taylor a letter or email to let him know you are thinking of him! Taylor loves animals. He used to rescue dogs on the out, and especially loves staffies. He loves the ocean and grew up by the sea. He also loves tattoos and piercings. Please take 5 minutes of your time to write them a card to tell him he is not alone. You have no idea what this will mean to him.
Claire Taylor A7974AX
HMP Downview, Sutton Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM25PD
Send Stamps: You can send stamps directly to Taylor.
For any queries or questions please email info@smashipp.noflag.org.uk
Letter Templates:
HMP & YOI Foston Hall
Foston
Derby
Derbyshire
DE65 5DN
Dear Andrea Black,
I am writing with concern about prisoner Claire Taylor A7974AX who is currently in HMP Downview. Taylor is a transgender prisoner who uses “he” pronouns, and will be referred to as such for the duration of this letter although Taylor is housed in women’s facilities, and should remain as such.
Taylor needs to complete the CARE course that is only available at HMP Foston Hall, however, your establishment repeatedly refuses him a place there. This is having serious consequences for Taylor’s mental health and progression in his sentence, as this course must be completed ahead of his parole board hearing in February 2019. He is serving an indeterminate sentence and denying him access to the program is effectively denying his progression and ultimate release.
I ask with urgency for you to allow Taylor a place at HMP Foston Hall and look forward to your written response confirming his acceptance at HMP Foston Hall.
Yours sincerely,
Your name
HMP Downview
Sutton Lane
Sutton
Surrey
SM25PD
Dear Robin Eldridge,
I am writing with concern about prisoner Claire Taylor A7974AX who is currently in HMP Downview. Taylor is a transgender prisoner who uses “he” pronouns, and will be referred to as such for the duration of this letter, although Taylor is housed in women’s facilities, and should remain as such.
Taylor needs to complete the CARE course at HMP Foston Hall, however, your establishment repeatedly refuses to transfer him to HMP Foston Hall. This is having serious consequences for Taylor’s mental health and progression in his sentence, as this course must be completed ahead of his parole board hearing in February. He is serving an indeterminate sentence and denying him access to the program is effectively denying his progression and ultimate release.
I ask with urgency for you to allow Taylor a place at HMP Foston Hall and look forward to your written response confirming his acceptance at HMP Foston Hall.
Yours sincerely,
Your name