Archive Website of the UK government

Mental health care in prison

When a prisoner first arrives at prison they are asked about their health - both physical and mental. They have the chance to let the prison healthcare team know right away what support they need.

The types of things they are asked include, if they:

• were having treatment for a mental health condition before coming to prison
• have spent time in hospital because of a mental health condition
• are worried about their mental health - for example, they’re feeling depressed or feel like harming themselves

Depending on the assessment, the prisoner may have a full mental health check-up. This is done in prison.

Local NHS mental health teams work within prisons to give expert support to all prisoners who need it.

See ‘Healthcare in prison’ for information about healthcare teams, health records and what happens if a prisoner refuses treatment.

• Healthcare in prison

What happens if a prisoner moves to a psychiatric hospital

If a prisoner’s mental health condition is severe, they may be moved to a secure psychiatric hospital for their own safety. This only happens if they meet certain conditions (‘criteria’) under the Mental Health Act.

Once the prisoner gets better, they return to prison (if they still have time left to serve on their sentence).

Contacting the prison if you’re worried about someone

If you’re worried about someone who’s going to, or is already in prison, you can:

• tell a member of prison staff when you visit your friend or family member
• contact the ‘Safer Custody Team’ or the ‘Duty Governor’ at the prison during normal hours
• contact the ‘Orderly Officer’ out of hours

Some prisons run confidential Safer Custody hotlines where you can leave a message explaining your concerns. You can tell the prison:

• anything you think would help prison staff support the prisoner
• if you think the prisoner has thought about harming (or killing) themselves in the past
  

• Support for families and friends of prisoners

Offenders’ Families Helpline

You can call the Offenders' Families Helpline for advice and support. It's run by Partners of Prisoners and Families Support Group (POPS).

You can call the Offenders' Families Helpline for free on 0808 808 2003. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 8.00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.

• Offenders’ Families Helpline Opens new window

• Partners of Prisoners and Families Support Group (POPS) Opens new window

Protecting prisoners who are a risk to themselves

Prison staff are trained to spot prisoners who are at risk of suicide or hurting themselves on purpose (called ‘self-harm’).

If a prisoner is thought to be at risk, they’re given their own dedicated ‘case manager’. This person is responsible for making sure the prisoner gets the support they need.

It could include things like making sure the prisoner:

• has company when needed - such as a cell mate, or a staff member
• gets regular support from a health specialist
• gets help with any addictions they have - for example drugs or alcohol
• goes on education and training courses - for example to learn a new skill

• Healthcare in prison

Help from other prisoners

Most prisons have schemes where prisoners give other prisoners emotional support, in confidence. These sessions are called ‘listener schemes’.

The charity Samaritans train prisoners in prison to take on this role.

• Samaritans

More useful links

• Mental health contacts