Exploring the fault line - issues at the intersection of criminal justice and mental health

Over 80 delegates from across the mental health sector and criminal justice system descended on Coin Street Community Centre on 21 July to contribute to a discussion on Exploring the fault line - issues at the intersection of criminal justice and mental health.

The event, joint-hosted by ROTA and Action for Advocacy, brought together experts, including policymakers, practitioners, academics, BAME voluntary sector representatives and professionals, to share thoughtful ideas on key concerns, gaps in service delivery and potential areas of opportunity.

Speakers Simon Fulford (Khulisa UK), Graham Durcan (Centre for Mental Health), Ewan MacKenzie (NOMS), Viv Ahmun (Coreplan UK), Linda Bryant (Together) and Ciaran Rafferty (City Bridge Trust) provided an insightful backdrop for a variety of key topics to be discussed during lively table discussions. Significant areas of discussion included current thinking on the state of offender health provision, steps for improving the physical and mental health of those in the criminal justice system, difficulties with diversion services, extreme trauma and propensity to violence.

Early returns from evaluation forms indicate that the majority of delegates appreciated the opportunity to come together and hear different opinions whilst various aspects around process (audio, food and representation) need further consideration for future work.

Speakers' presentations are available below. View event photos here (all photos courtesy of Elizabeth Frimpong).

Graham Durcan - Diversion: attempting a gold standard
Ewan MacKenzie - Managing equalities in prisons
Ciaran Rafferty - City Bridge Trust - a funder's perspective

Click HERE to download the event report.