Survey on the mental health needs of offenders and ex-offenders

Healthwatch Wandsworth undertook a survey into the mental health needs of offenders and ex-offenders in Wandsworth, as part of a wider investigation to support the London Assembly Health Committee in improving access to mental health support for ex-offenders.

The survey was open to ex-offenders, services providers and others who may have knowledge of the topic.

Healthwatch Wandsworth approached a number of local community organisations working with ex-offenders and offenders but found it difficult to arrange to speak to groups of ex-offenders. Many organisations had come to the end of their funding and no longer ran their activities and others worked across a wider geography, which limited access to views specific to Wandsworth.

The central importance of housing was the overall theme emerging from the survey. Having an insecure housing situation was the factor most identified as affecting poor mental health and preventing people from building a new life on release from prison. A need for more mental health support services and supportive activities , such as interest groups focused on physical exercise was highlighted.

Healthwatch Wandsworth found many organisations that had been supporting offenders and ex-offenders struggling to fund or continue their activities or lacking a local focus. This suggests a gap in provision of services in Wandsworth that provide support before people find themselves in prisons or when they leave. Statistics highlighted at the beginning of the report show a clear need to address the prevalence of mental health conditions amongst prisoners.