RAISING AWARENESS

Many people currently experiencing the prison system experience mental health challenges leading up to prison and during their sentences, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide ideation. By raising awareness, we can reduce the stigma surrounding this and encourage individuals to seek help without feeling ashamed or judged.

BUILDING RESILIENCE

A prison sentence is a challenging time for individuals as they need to adjust to a new environment, less contact with loved ones, manage new social relationships and anticipate potential threats to their safety. By fostering mental health awareness, people can learn coping strategies, resilience-building skills, and healthy ways to manage stress and adversity. It also awakens many to the impact their mental health has had on their life choices, which ultimately led them to prison.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Promoting mental health awareness allows for early identification of potential issues. It empowers individuals to recognise warning signs in themselves and their peers, encouraging them to seek help promptly. Early intervention can prevent problems from escalating and improve long-term outcomes.

REFORM & REDUCING REOFFENDING

Studies consistently show a strong link between mental health issues and criminal behaviour. By providing mental health training, we can address some of the root causes of criminality and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Those who receive education and support are more likely to reintegrate successfully into society.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

When people in prison receive mental health training and support, they are more likely to become productive members of society upon release. Upskilling helps them to develop better conflict resolution skills and coping mechanisms, leading to fewer incidents of reoffending and/or causing harm. This benefits the community at large, as it reduces the risk of criminal activity and supports the reintegration of individuals into their families and neighbourhoods.