Addressing the mental health and employment needs of prison leavers
The transition from incarceration to reintegration into society is a critical one .
A unique collaborative project spearheaded by employment specialist Chris Hamilton, who has experience working within the prison system, aims to support offenders due for release.
A recent visit to Wormwood Scrubs prison sought to bridge the gap between people due for release and the services available within the community.
Prison leavers often face significant mental health challenges, employment barriers, and a lack of support networks after their release.
Individual Placement Support (IPS Grow), is an employment model implemented by the NHS Employment Support team, and is used to help prison leavers and other service users secure volunteering and paid employment. Many are unaware of these support services that are available to them .
Th e event marks a step toward improving communication and collaboration between prison staff, NHS providers, and community services, with the goal of reducing recidivism (reoffending) and fostering a smoother reintegration into society.
Building bridges: a day of support and guidance
The group, which was made up of volunteers from South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust and community probation services , met with two cohorts of men within Wormwood Scrubs who were selected based on their interest in employment opportunities and psychological support post-release. These individuals, all due for release within 90 days , participated in a day full of guidance and informal discussions to help them self-refer to the support they need upon leaving.
Speaking of the event, Chris said: “The day was about more than just handing out information. It was about creating connections, answering questions, and offering practical advice that will help them navigate resources available to them once they are back in the community. We wan t ed to help them feel more supported and less isolated.”
By facilitating these conversations, the initiative aims to not only reduce repeat offences but to nurture a sense of trust in our services .
Mental health in prisons
It is estimated that 71% of women and 47% of men in prison suffer from mental ill-health. Additionally, between 3-12% of the prison population experience psychosis, and 9.8% suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. These statistics highlight the urgent need for accessible psychological services both inside and outside the prison system.
By offering a more unified, community-driven approach to mental health and rehabilitation, the hope is that prisoners will feel more supported upon release, leading to a stronger chance of successful reintegration into society – and a reduction in the number of re-offences .
By offering the right tool s and resources, ex-prisoners can build a better future for themselves, reduce the risk of reoffending, and successfully settle back into their community and society.
The event has not only benefitted participant s but has left a lasting impact on the professionals involved. As more similar events take place, stronger partnerships between the prison system, mental health services and community resources can help offenders successfully settle back into their community and society – with a focus o n wellbeing and employment.
By bridging gaps in the system, our teams and partners hope to create a more supportive environment for those leaving the prison system.
