The health needs of ex‐prisoners, implications for successful resettlement: A qualitative study

Abstract

The ex‐prisoner population is an under‐researched, socially excluded group, whose broad health needs are seldom assessed and often unmet. This qualitative study aims to identify the broad health needs of ex‐prisoners living in an urban borough in the NorthWest of England. We interviewed 27 exprisoners and 14 of the service providers who work with them, from all the resettlement pathways. We asked them about the resettlement experience and how it impacts on ex‐prisoners’ health, what broad health concerns ex‐prisoners have, and how these could be rectified or improved. This study contributes detail from the perspective of ex‐prisoners themselves, and the workers who know their needs best. We have been able to demonstrate that the transition from prison to community is often a health depleting experience, particularly when accommodation has not been adequately arranged. We have found that whilst ex‐prisoners doubtless suffer very poor health they do not often prioritise their own health. However, the majority of ex‐prisoners clearly suffer particularly from mental health and substance misuse problems. Much can be done to tackle these issues by improving communication and partnership working between key stakeholders.