The UK’s prison system is full of people with mental health conditions. Many arrive in prison with severe issues. Others develop them while inside. But instead of getting proper treatment, most are left to cope alone.
When they leave, the problems don’t disappear. In fact, they often get worse. Without mental health support, many ex-offenders struggle to adjust. They can’t find housing. They can’t find jobs. They feel isolated and lost. Some end up back in prison. Others turn to drugs or alcohol or even take their own lives.
This is a broken system. If we want to stop the cycle of reoffending, we must start by supporting the mental health of those leaving prison.
The Link Between Mental Health and Crime
There is a clear connection between mental health and the criminal justice system. Studies show that…
- Around 70% of prisoners have at least one mental health condition.
- 1 in 10 have a serious condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
- Suicide rates in prison are significantly higher than in the general population.
For many, mental illness is a key factor in their offending. Some commit crimes due to untreated conditions. Others struggle with addiction, trauma, or personality disorders that influence their behaviour.
But prisons are not designed to be mental health hospitals. The support available inside is patchy at best. Many prisoners do not receive proper diagnosis or treatment. Some have their medication stopped. Others face long waits for therapy.
When they are released, the situation doesn’t improve. In fact, for many, sadly, it gets worse.
Falling Through the Cracks
Prison leavers face huge challenges. Many leave with just £89.52 in their pockets and no place to go. They may have no ID, no bank account, and no job prospects. If they had mental health issues before, these are often worse after years in prison.
Once released, they must navigate a complicated system to get help. But mental health services and probation teams are overstretched. There is little coordination between prisons, the NHS, and community organisations. Many ex-offenders are left to manage alone.
The consequences are severe:
- High reoffending rates—Nearly half of released prisoners reoffend within a year.
- Homelessness—Around 1 in 7 prison leavers end up sleeping rough.
- Suicide and self-harm—Suicide rates among prison leavers are far higher than in the general population.
A system that merely releases individuals without providing support is setting them up for failure.
How Does Bridge Support Help?
With public services under pressure, charities like Bridge Support are stepping in to fill the gaps. We provide mental health support for people who would otherwise be left behind.
Our work includes:
- Crisis support—Helping prison leavers manage their mental health in the first critical weeks after release.
- Housing assistance—Finding stable accommodation to prevent homelessness.
- Peer support programs—Connecting ex-offenders with mentors who have been through similar experiences.
- Employment and skills training—Helping individuals rebuild their lives through work and education.
These services reduce reoffending and save lives. When prison leavers receive proper mental health care, they are far more likely to reintegrate into society successfully.
How We Support Ex-Offenders to Live Independently
Tilt is a residential facility that helps ex-offenders transition to independent living by providing recovery pathways and support. We focus on personalised support plans, real-life skills training, and staged integration to encourage successful reintegration into the community and reduce reoffending rates. At Tilt, we collaborate with clinical partners and commissioners to improve the lives of ex-offenders in a modern and supportive environment. We have a residential facility and proven recovery pathways that offer support for ex-offenders to transition to independent living.
We also run a housing management service that focuses on providing safe, high-quality accommodation combined with support to aid recovery. We make sure clients are housed in a safe area, which is crucial for recovery. In addition, our services are focused on recovery, so clients get the support they need from a dedicated support worker.
If you’d like to get in touch or have any questions, please contact us here.
Further Reading
Our Tilt Project Is Here To Stay
Women in Prison– Breaking the Cycle
How do we support people with forensic history and mental ill health in the community?
