Community VISION Attends The Amicable Research Event Exploring the Impact of Peer Support in Prisons

Community VISION has attended a research dissemination event in Leeds this week, bringing together universities, prison services, voluntary sector organisations and people with lived experience of the criminal justice system to explore the impact of peer support on mental health and wellbeing in prisons.

The event, led by the University of York and the University of Leeds, provided an opportunity to share emerging research findings and hear first-hand experiences of the 6 Steps Problem Support Mentor Scheme, which supports individuals to develop practical problem-solving skills.

The research scheme uses a structured six-step approach enables individuals to prioritise and address problems using peer support. The Amicable research is examining how this approach can improve mental health, strengthen relationships, support people within prison environments and into the community.

Putting Lived Experience at the Heart of Research

A key focus of the event was the importance of involving people with lived experience of the criminal justice system in research design and service development.

The programme included a live podcast with the Prison Radio Association, providing an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives on the role of peer support.

Community VISION was pleased to contribute to the discussions, with a member of or team who works on the Giving Time project taking part in a panel discussion, helping to bring voluntary sector experience into the conversation specifically the benefits of volunteering.

Attendees also heard from representatives of HMP Manchester, who shared insights into the positive impact that the volunteer scheme has had on prison life, including benefits for both prison staff and people in custody.

Encouraging Early Research Findings

Preliminary findings presented at the event indicate a significant reduction in depression scores among both volunteers and the peers they support.

These early results suggest that structured peer support and problem-solving approaches could make a valuable contribution to improving mental health and wellbeing within prison settings.

The research also considers wider outcomes, including improving relationships and preventing crises.

Further research findings are expected to become available in spring 2027, providing a clearer understanding of the research outcomes including the impact of the Giving Time element.

Supporting Positive Change Through Giving Time

Community VISION’s involvement reflects the important contribution that voluntary and community sector organisations can make to supporting individuals with experience of criminal justice system.

Through work on the Giving Time project, we recognise the value of lived experience, skills development and participating in volunteering.

We welcome the emerging findings and look forward to learning more as the research findings particularly relating to mental health, wellbeing, and volunteering.

If you would like to know more about the Amicable research programme please see https://www.york.ac.uk/health-sciences/research/mental-health/projects/addressing-mental-health-in-custody/