Responding to the mental health needs of people in prison
Research type
Research Study
Full title
'Tackling' mental health inequalities in prisons: An investigation of prison and health services in responding to the mental health needs of prisoners in England and Wales
IRAS ID
266289
Contact name
Megan Georgiou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
The research will investigate the perceived mental health needs of prisoners in England and Wales and to what extent prison and health services are responding to these needs.
People in prison experience multiple and complex health issues at rates far greater than the general population, with vulnerabilities presenting themselves prior to and during imprisonment. Deteriorating conditions within the prison estate and the general experience of imprisonment compromise a prisoner’s ability to manage their own mental health. The research aims to influence local and national practice regarding mental health provision; it aims to utilise the experiences of prisoners and staff to develop these services. It will explore the concept of mental health and wellbeing in prison and how this is understood by prisoners and staff. It will consider whether prison and health services are meeting the perceived needs of prisoners, as determined by prisoners and staff.
The sample will consist of individuals receiving treatment from mental health services within the prison establishment they reside in, and discipline and health staff members working in those establishments.
Four prison sites have been selected; they have been chosen as they represent a mix of populations and backgrounds. They cater for differences in gender, age, prison type, and location. The data generated will provide a rich understanding of mental health and service provision, accounting for differences in local and national practices and perceptions.
Participants will engage in a semi-structured interview process; they will participate in one interview and no further involvement will be required.
The study is being undertaken as part of a PhD research project. The study started in October 2018 and is expected to conclude in 2024.REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1292
Date of REC Opinion
20 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion