What prison rehabilitation services exist in the UK

Rehabilitation services in UK prisons cover a wide range of needs, from mental health care to substance misuse treatment, life skills development, and vocational training. These programmes are designed to give inmates the tools to change their behaviour, improve their mental well-being, and secure stable employment upon release.

1. Substance misuse programmes

Substance misuse is a significant factor contributing to criminal behaviour, and many inmates struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. UK prisons provide various drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes aimed at helping inmates overcome addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Common programmes include:

• Drug Recovery Programmes (DRP): These intensive programmes combine medically-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and group counselling to help inmates address their addiction. For example, HMP Holme House runs one of the UK’s most successful Drug Recovery Prisons, where inmates receive tailored support for drug and alcohol dependency.

• 12-step programmes: Many prisons offer Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups, based on the 12-step recovery model, to help inmates manage their addiction through peer support.

• Through-the-gate support: Substance misuse programmes also provide post-release planning, ensuring that inmates have access to community-based drug treatment services after they leave prison. This continuity of care helps reduce relapse and reoffending.

2. Mental health support

Mental health problems are common among prisoners, with many inmates experiencing conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and personality disorders. UK prisons provide mental health services to support the well-being of inmates and address the psychological factors that may contribute to their offending. Key services include:

• Counselling and therapy: Inmates have access to one-on-one counselling, group therapy, and specialised psychological support for issues such as trauma and anger management. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help inmates change negative thought patterns and behaviour.

• Psychiatric care: For inmates with more severe mental health conditions, psychiatric care is available. This may involve medication management, regular mental health check-ups, and treatment for conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

• Suicide prevention: Many prisons implement ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork) plans for inmates identified as being at risk of self-harm or suicide. These plans involve close monitoring, regular check-ins with mental health professionals, and supportive interventions to keep inmates safe.

3. Education and vocational training

Education and vocational training are critical components of prison rehabilitation, offering inmates the chance to gain skills and qualifications that will help them find employment after release. Programmes include:

• Basic literacy and numeracy: Many inmates enter prison with low levels of education, which can limit their opportunities for employment. Basic literacy and numeracy courses help inmates develop essential skills in reading, writing, and maths.

• Vocational courses: Inmates can participate in vocational training in areas such as construction, catering, plumbing, and electrical work. These courses often lead to recognised qualifications such as NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) or City & Guilds certificates, which improve their employability post-release.

• Higher education: Inmates who wish to pursue further education can study for degrees through The Open University or other distance learning providers. The Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) supports inmates by offering grants for study materials and tuition fees.

4. Restorative justice programmes

Restorative justice programmes focus on helping inmates understand the impact of their crimes on victims, communities, and themselves. These programmes encourage inmates to take responsibility for their actions and make amends. Key features include:

• Victim awareness courses: These courses help inmates develop empathy for their victims and understand the emotional, financial, and social damage caused by their crimes.

• Mediation and reconciliation: In some cases, restorative justice involves direct mediation between the offender and their victim, allowing the victim to express how the crime has affected them and offering the offender a chance to apologise.

Restorative justice has been shown to reduce reoffending by encouraging inmates to reflect on their behaviour and the consequences of their actions.

5. Work programmes

Inmates can participate in a variety of work programmes, which offer both practical experience and the opportunity to earn wages. Prison work includes jobs such as kitchen work, cleaning, maintenance, and workshop roles in industries such as manufacturing or recycling. Inmates can earn qualifications and develop skills that increase their employability.

Some UK prisons offer specialised work programmes in industries such as:

• Catering: The Clink Charity operates training restaurants in several prisons, where inmates learn skills in cooking, food service, and hospitality, gaining qualifications and experience that lead to jobs in the catering industry.

• Recycling and environmental services: Inmates in some prisons work in recycling units, sorting materials and learning about environmental sustainability. These roles provide valuable experience for jobs in the growing environmental services sector.

6. Family and relationship support

Maintaining family ties during imprisonment is crucial for rehabilitation, as strong relationships can provide emotional support and stability. UK prisons offer services to help inmates maintain and rebuild relationships with family members, particularly with children. Programmes include:

• Parenting courses: These courses help inmates develop the skills needed to maintain positive relationships with their children. In some cases, inmates can take part in family days or special events that allow them to spend extended time with their children in a more relaxed setting.

• Relationship counselling: Inmates and their partners can access counselling services to help maintain healthy relationships during incarceration. These services can also assist in rebuilding family dynamics after release.

7. Resettlement and through-the-gate services

Successful reintegration into society after release is key to reducing reoffending. Resettlement programmes and through-the-gate services provide inmates with support in areas such as housing, employment, and accessing benefits. These services begin during imprisonment and continue after release, ensuring that inmates have a clear plan for their future.

• Housing support: Many resettlement services help inmates secure housing before their release, reducing the risk of homelessness, which is a major factor in reoffending.

• Employment support: Inmates receive assistance in creating CVs, preparing for job interviews, and finding employment opportunities. Some prisons partner with external organisations and businesses to offer work placements or apprenticeships for inmates post-release.