Prisoners given access to multilingual information terminals

One of the World’s largest translation companies, thebigword, is to empower users of the new information terminals in prisons, by translating the content into eight languages.

thebigword is working with BT to supply a multilingual information service for HM Prison Service (HMPS) prisons, and BT has already begun installing the first touchscreen information terminals in prisons and secure units across England and Wales.

The scheme complements a range of initiatives aimed at reducing self-harm and re-offending, by providing prisoners with easier access to advice and information. The new initiative relies on the ability of thebigword to translate advice on issues such as housing, debt and depression into eight different languages. As one of the world’s largest translation companies, the Leeds based organisation was more than capable of taking up the challenge.

The first 14 robust touch screen terminals are being installed in prisons in the East Midlands and thebigword will soon be enabling prisoners to access vital information in Arabic, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Welsh and Urdu. A rollout is planned and a total of 138 prisons will soon have several multilingual terminals, in an effort to improve the flow of information from staff to prisoners.

"I believe that language barriers shouldn’t be a barrier to good information", Says Larry Gould, CEO of thebigword, "It is extremely rewarding that we are able to translate quality advice for this new service, and can help people to prepare for life on the outside." The Prisoner Information Points are a huge step forward in the provision of information for prisoners, which was previously only available as cumbersome paper documents. The new system is user-friendly, and can be easily updated, even in many different languages.

When new content requires translation, it will be transmitted directly to thebigword using its innovative TranzManager™Content solution. Once the information has been translated by a team of specialised linguists, it is automatically returned to the prison’s management system. Mr Gould continues, "It’s an important contract for us, and by using TranzManager™Content we can save the prisons time and money by sending translations directly over a secure internet connection. Now thanks to BT and thebigword, the terminals will soon be benefiting both prisoners and staff, and helping to combat re-offending."

## Ends ##

About thebigword

thebigword provides translation services in more than 140 languages, and has a network of over 4,500 translators around the globe. The company has customers located in more than 42 countries worldwide, including 47 of the FTSE-100 and 52 of the top 100 NASDAQ organisations. thebigword has offices located in Leeds, London, New York, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Brussels and Copenhagen.

For more information, please contact:
Kristin Edwards, Marketing Co-ordinator, Tel 0870 748 8060,
kristin.edwards@thebigword.com or visit www.thebigword.com