Co-Producing an Intersectional Stigma Reduction Programme for People in the Criminal Justice System with Mental Health Issues

About the Project

Individuals in the criminal justice system (CJS) with mental health conditions face multiple layers of stigma that severely impact their ability to secure housing, employment, reintegrate into society, and maintain social connections. These stigmas stem from mental illness, offending history, substance use, ethnicity, and other factors. The Lancet Commission (Thornicroft et al., 2022) recently called for the eradication of mental illness stigma through interventions co-produced by people with lived experience (PWLE). This aligns with the World Health Organization’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030. However, there are few targeted interventions addressing stigma towards people in the CJS with mental health conditions, and none that are co-produced by this population.

Over three years this project aims to co-produce an intersectional stigma reduction programme specifically designed with people in the CJS with mental health issues. In the first year, a literature review synthesising evidence for stigma reduction efforts in this population will be conducted, and initial meetings will be held with current and former forensic patients and their carers. The second year will focus on developing the intervention materials, structure, and outputs, which may include arts-based components and creative methodologies. The third year will involve piloting the stigma reduction intervention using mixed methods to evaluate its effectiveness.

The target audiences for this programme include the general public, social supervisors, and healthcare professionals. This project will foster clear working relationships with PWLE through local partnerships, ensuring the inclusion of intersectional experiences and co-development with the relevant local community. It aims to pilot and build an evidence base for a replicable stigma reduction intervention. The project aligns with the NHS national Patient Carer Race Equality Framework and prioritizes the voices of marginalized communities. It is multidisciplinary, involving sociology, criminology, psychology, and lived experience.

Funding Notes

Bursary available (subject to satisfactory performance):

Year 1: £20,780 (FT) or pro-rata (PT) Year 2: In line with UKRI rate Year 3: In line with UKRI rate

In addition, the successful candidate will receive a contribution to tuition fees equivalent to the university’s Home rate, currently £4,596 (FT) or pro-rata (PT), for the duration of their scholarship.

International applicants will need to pay the remainder tuition fee for the duration of their scholarship.