Specialised support that recognises the trauma experienced by most people in prison is critical to improving mental health and rehabilitation, according to a new report from Centre for Mental Health.
The report evaluates the Dealt an ACE project, delivered by Pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust) at HMP Brinsford Young Offenders Institute in Staffordshire. Running for three years until May 2025, the project provided individualised support for young men in custody who had experienced significant trauma.
Poor mental health is widespread among people in prison, often rooted in adverse childhood experiences. Studies show up to 90% of young people with convictions have faced highly stressful and potentially traumatic events during childhood, putting them at far greater risk of mental health problems.
The evaluation found that participants in the Dealt an ACE project:
- Felt more resilient and empowered
- Coped more effectively with trauma symptoms
- Experienced increased self-esteem
The project also raised awareness among prison staff about the impact of childhood trauma on mental health and behaviour.
The report calls on His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and the NHS to prioritise trauma-informed approaches in prisons, recommending:
- Trauma-awareness training for all prison staff
- Improved access to therapies and peer support
- Better support for people transitioning on release
Addressing trauma is not only vital for mental health but also for rehabilitation, helping tackle the root causes of offending and reducing reoffending rates.
Andy Bell, Chief Executive of the Centre for Mental Health, said:
“Traumatic experiences are the norm among people in prison. For many, being imprisoned makes this worse. Pact’s Dealt an ACE scheme provided support that mitigated people’s traumas, giving them a better chance of improved mental health. This should become a routine part of prison life, not a one-off project.”
Pact Chief Executive Andy Keen-Downs added:
“This project has shown that, when we take a trauma-informed approach, we can transform lives. By recognising the deep impact of childhood adversity and offering tailored support, we give people in prison a genuine chance to make a fresh start.
“In recent years, the prison service has acknowledged the benefits of this approach and has sought to adopt more trauma-informed practice. We hope that this research will give further impetus to this work as part of efforts to deliver safer, healthier prisons that are places of rehabilitation.”
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