Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Prisons

Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Prisons

Paul Gavin will explore the largely unseen mental health crisis unfolding within our Pr*son system.

While prisons are often viewed as places of punishment and containment, they have increasingly become de facto mental health institutions—yet without the resources, training, or support required to meet this demand.

Drawing on research and practice, the session examines the prevalence of mental health conditions among incarcerated populations, the impact of isolation, overcrowding, and violence, and the systemic barriers to effective care.

The talk will also consider how stigma, underfunding, and institutional priorities contribute to the marginalisation of prisoners’ mental health needs. Particular attention is given to the lived experiences of those inside, highlighting how distress is often misunderstood or criminalised rather than treated.

Ultimately, this session invites critical reflection on the role of prisons in responding to vulnerability, and asks whether current approaches are sustainable, ethical, or just. It will be of interest to practitioners, researchers, and anyone concerned with justice, health, and social inequality.

About the speaker

Paul Gavin is the Programme Leader on the BA(Hons) Criminology and the BSc(Hons) Criminology with Psychology degree at UWE. He is the module leader for the second year module Mental Health, Crime and Criminal Justice.

He has over 20 years’ experience working in a wide range of academic, policy and research related roles. Prior to joining UWE in 2021, he held positions at Bath Spa University, Canterbury Christchurch University and in the Department of Justice in Ireland.

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