Innovative Approaches to Improving Access to Mental Health Support for People in Prison - Findings from the Introduction of a Mental Health Text Service for Prisoners

ICPA Presentation by Natalie Parrett (ICPA2024-PID162)

This presentation explores the implementation and findings of an innovative project introducing a confidential mental health and crisis support text service in two UK prisons. The project aims to improve access to mental health support for prisoners, addressing the significant concerns surrounding mental health in prison settings. The service, adapted from community provision, enables prisoners to seek immediate support for various issues. These have included relationship challenges, stress, loneliness and suicidal thoughts. Implementation involved developing a technical solution, obtaining necessary approvals, and collaborating with prisoners to ensure suitability. Initial outcomes indicate success, with over 1,000 prisoners accessing the service and 90% giving positive reviews indicating its helpfulness. Further longitudinal research evaluation and wider rollout are planned for 2024.

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Author

Natalie Parrett

Director of Psychological Services, Serco

Natalie Parrett (MSc, CPsychol, AFBPsS) is a Principal Forensic Psychologist with 23 years experience working in prisons and secure hospitals in the UK. She is now the Director of Psychological Services for Serco prisons in the UK, providing the strategic leadership, oversight, is clinically responsible for the governance for Psychological Services and provides consultation and advice on psychological matters to the Prison Operational Directors. She has a particular interest in innovating and developing psychologically-informed prison practice and culture. Natalie is a peer reviewer for academic journals and her authored/co-authored research includes: “Who’s holding the trauma? ‘RE-ACT’: Increasing Prison Officer insights and reducing violence in prisons”; “Assessing female sexual offenders’ motivations and cognitions: An exploratory study”; “A re-examination of female child molesters’ implicit theories: Evidence of female specificity?” and “An interpretative phenomenological analysis of prison officer experiences when working with personality disordered offenders with intellectual disabilities.”

Innovative Approaches to Improving Access to Mental Health Support for People in Prison - Findings from the Introduction of a Mental Health Text Service for Prisoners

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