Prison Link was set up in 2000 by SMART to provide support to people in prison custody who have drug problems.

The service is aimed at individuals who have stayed abstinent whilst on remand or in prison, and are looking for on-going support to stay off drugs. SMART's experience is that unless help is received at this point, individuals when they are released, are likely to relapse into drug taking and reoffending.

SMART's prison link service provides each person with an individual care plan immediately following their release from prison, or ideally via legal visits whilst they are still in prison. Clients are actively encouraged to develop long term action plans to bring positive changes in their lives. This might include pursuing training and employment opportunities.

Through the programme clients are also offered support to deal with minor relapses, and introductions to housing providers and other community agencies to boost their chance for success.

A high proportion of individuals using the Prison Link service say that the outcomes they have achieved are the result of their contact with a SMART Prison Link worker.