OnDemand: The Health and Wellbeing in Prisons Conference 2026
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2026 Supporters Included
2026 Overview
Prisons are facing growing pressure to meet the complex health and wellbeing needs of people in custody. Workforce challenges and complex health needs are placing significant strain on prison regimes and healthcare services. Addressing these pressures requires strong coordination between justice, healthcare and voluntary sector organisations, alongside a greater focus on rehabilitation and continuity of care.
- 70% of people in prison have two or more mental health conditions. Suicide rates among male prisoners are nearly four times higher than in the general population (Clinks, 2025)
- Over 60% of people entering prison report problematic drug or alcohol use. Many face treatment gaps upon release, increasing overdose risk (Clinks, 2025)
- The prison population in England is ageing with the number of people in prison over 50 increasing from 10% in 2011 to 24% in 2024 (Department of Health and Social Care and Ministry of Justice, 2025)
The Health and Wellbeing in Prisons Conference 2026 explored how organisations across justice, healthcare and the voluntary sector are working to improve outcomes for people in custody. Bringing together policymakers, prison leaders and healthcare professionals, this conference examined the key challenges affecting health provision in prisons, alongside approaches to improving support within custody and strengthening care as individuals transition back into the community.
2026 Agenda
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Dr Miranda Davies, Senior Fellow, Nuffield Trust
Keynote: Prison Capacity, Justice Reform and the Health of the Prison System
- Examining the relationship between prison population growth, overcrowding and the ability of prisons to deliver effective healthcare services
- Exploring the role of sentencing policy and prison reform in addressing the pressures facing prisons and considering how justice policy can contribute to improved wellbeing outcomes for people in custody
- Discussing how prison population pressures affect regimes, including access to education and access to healthcare appointments, and the consequences these factors can have for prisoners’ physical and mental wellbeing
- Considering how policy reform and long-term justice strategy can help create a prison system that better supports rehabilitation
Leyya Kitmitto, Criminal Policy Lawyer, Justice UK
Keynote: Tackling Health Inequalities and Preventing Criminal Justice Involvement
- Examining the relationship between unmet health needs, disadvantage and involvement in the criminal justice system
- Exploring how early intervention and preventative approaches can reduce crisis points and improve outcomes for people at risk of entering custody
- Discussing how justice, health and voluntary sector organisations can collaborate to provide more effective support for people with complex needs
- Sharing learning on approaches that reduce repeat contact with the criminal justice system and support rehabilitation
Pavan Dhaliwal, CEO, Revolving Doors
Questions and Answers
Comfort Break
Keynote: Strengthening Continuity of Care Across Health and Justice Services
- Exploring the role of integrated care pathways in improving continuity of care as people enter justice settings
- Supporting collaboration between health, justice and community services to reduce gaps in care.
- Promoting person-centred care that supports long-term health, rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community
- Examining lessons experience of delivering integrated healthcare across justice settings to inform future service improvement
Dr Russell Green, National Medical Director, Health in Justice Services, Practice Plus Group
Keynote: Continuity of Care: Supporting Health Outcomes After Release
- Examining the health risks associated with the transition from custody to the community and the implications this can have for relapse and reoffending
- Discussing the importance of coordinated planning between prison healthcare teams and the community to ensure people leaving custody can access essential healthcare and support without delay
- Exploring the wider social factors that influence health outcomes after release and their impact on social reintegration
- Considering approaches to strengthening continuity of care across the criminal justice system working between prisons, healthcare providers and community organisations.
Helen Berresford, Director of Engagement and Impact, Nacro
Questions and Answers
Lunch Break
Case Study: Tackling Health Inequalities in the Criminal Justice System
- Exploring the relationship between social disadvantage and involvement in the criminal justice system, recognising that many people entering custody already experience significant health inequalities
- Examining how factors such as homelessness, unemployment, trauma and poor access to healthcare contribute to poor health outcomes among people in prison
- Discussing the role of prisons as an opportunity to identify unmet health needs and connect individuals with appropriate treatment and support
- Considering how collaboration between health, justice and social services can help reduce inequalities and improve long-term outcomes
Leanne Jeffrey, Health & Justice Development Lead, Clinks
Case Study: Nature-Based Wellbeing Support in Prisons
- Examining why some people in prison do not engage with formal mental health services and the barriers that can prevent them from accessing support
- Exploring how nature-based activities can create alternative routes into health and wellbeing support
- Sharing learning from Greener on the Outside for Prisons (GOOP) and its use of gardening to engage people who may not otherwise access mental health services
- Considering how prisons can use health promotion approaches to support wellbeing and reach people who remain outside traditional healthcare pathways
Dr Andy Carmichael, Senior Research Fellow, Prisons Programme Lead, Institute of Health, University of Cumbria
Questions and Answers
Comfort Break
Case Study: Improving Access to Primary Healthcare in Prisons
- Examining the role of prison primary care services in addressing the complex health needs of people in custody, including the management of chronic conditions
- Identifying barriers that can delay access to healthcare appointments in prisons, such as staffing pressures and security restrictions
- Exploring strategies to ensure prisoners receive timely treatment and referral to specialist services when required
- Highlighting examples of working between prison healthcare teams and NHS providers to improve continuity and quality of care
Dr Sunil Lad, National Clinical Director for Health and Justice, NHS England
Case Study: Substance Misuse and Recovery in Prison
- Examining the prevalence of drug and alcohol dependence among people entering prison and consider the complex relationship between substance use and offending behaviour
- Discussing approaches to treatment and recovery within prison settings, such as structured recovery programmes
- Exploring partnerships between prisons, healthcare providers and voluntary organisations to deliver effective substance misuse services within custody
- Highlighting the importance of continuity of care and support after release to reduce the risk of relapse and reoffending
Mike Trace, Chief Executive Officer, Forward Trust
Questions and Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Dr Miranda Davies, Senior Fellow, Nuffield Trust
Conference Close
Pricing Options
OnDemand
Full access to the OnDemand conference – get instant access after purchase to expert insights and curated content, including recordings of the sessions and downloadable presentation decks for speakers who have given permission for their materials to be shared.
2026 Speakers
Dr Miranda Davies
Senior Fellow
Nuffield Trust
Leyya Kitmitto
Criminal Policy Lawyer
Justice UK
Dr Russell Green
Medical Director
Practice Plus Group
Helen Berresford
Director of Engagement and Impact
Nacro
Leanne Jeffrey
Health & Justice Development Lead
Clinks
Professor Michelle Baybutt
Professor of Mental Health and Social Justice
University of Cumbria
Dr Sunil Lad
National Clinical Director for Health and Justice
NHS England
Mike Trace
Chief Executive Officer
The Forward Trust
Testimonials
The event was well organised and incredibly informative. I would highly recommend attending
This was an informative event with a good variety of speakers, enhanced my knowledge and gave me food for thought for improving practice
Good quality speakers with relevant experiences and information to share
An amazing event, well organised, very informative
