Kathryn Waldegrave

Prison Health and Wellbeing blends theory with lived experience to explore the complex challenges and interventions that shape health and wellbeing for those living in, working in, and visiting prisons. People in prison are far from a homogenous group, yet epidemiological evidence consistently shows higher rates of ill-health compared to the wider population. Historically, research has focused almost exclusively on individuals in custody, often overlooking the health needs of prison staff and others within these environments. This book addresses these gaps by offering comprehensive insights into the social, structural and cultural factors that influence health in prison contexts. Moving beyond a narrow focus on disease, disability and deficit, it adopts a salutogenic perspective – asking what keeps people healthy, not just what makes them ill. By reframing prison health through a holistic lens, this book provides a critical foundation for improving wellbeing in one of society’s most challenging environments. Prison Health and Wellbeing is an essential resource for students and scholars of criminology, public health and health promotion. It will also prove invaluable for policymakers, commissioners and practitioners delivering health services in prisons.

Men over 50 years of age are the fastest-growing population group in the prison system, leading to the prison service of England and Wales now becoming recognised as the largest provider of residential care for older men. Roughly one in five prisoners (18%) is over 50 years of age. This paper focuses on the impact on both staff and prisoners of developing an understanding of the needs and concerns of older prisoners during prison officer training. The authors approach the study of the older prison population from their respective disciplines—criminology and health. Both authors are aware of the necessity for custodial staff to be prepared and equipped to respond and manage a growing number of individuals who are vulnerable and appreciate the need for prison staff to be supported in this process, with an understanding of the complexities that come with housing large numbers of ageing men within a custodial setting. This article explores the provision of training for newly recruited prison officers and considers what good practice might look like.

Recent evidence suggests that school nurses are best placed to raise awareness and support families affected by paternal imprisonment. Less emphasis has been placed on health visitor practice in working with and supporting families with children under the age of five involved in the criminal justice system and yet professionals working in the area offer a potential in addressing the needs of these families. Through presenting findings from a review of the literature undertaken to explore the impact of father imprisonment on infant mental health, this paper seeks to discuss emerging findings from the current evidence-base.