Celebrating justice sector staff that support vulnerable service users
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day, observed on 10 October, is an important day for every workplace calendar. It serves as a meaningful opportunity for employers to reflect on the mental health support they provide and consider how they can better foster a culture of wellbeing for their teams.
Within the justice system, many service users face complex and often severe mental health challenges. This day also serves as a vital reminder to recognise and appreciate the professionals who provide mental health support to these vulnerable individuals. Their work is emotionally demanding and often carried out in high-pressure environments, requiring exceptional compassion, skill, and resilience.
Mental health staff in justice settings, such as prisons, probation services, courts, or community programmes, play a critical role in safeguarding the wellbeing of those in their care. They help individuals navigate trauma, addiction, and psychological distress, often acting as a bridge between the justice system and wider health services. Their work not only supports rehabilitation and recovery, but also contributes to safer, more humane justice outcomes.
At a time when the justice sector is continuing to face significant pressures, recognising the dedication of those working within it has never been more important. Mental health professionals are often stretched thin while continuing to deliver vital support with compassion and professionalism.
World Mental Health Day offers a moment not only to reflect on the wellbeing of those who serve but also acknowledge the resilience and commitment of those who show up every day to make a difference in challenging circumstances.
Custody and detention winners at the Inspire Justice Awards
This year, two incredible individuals were recognised in the Custody and Detention Staff Member of the Year category at the Inspire Justice Awards for their outstanding contributions to supporting the mental and physical health of detention service users.
Jamie Williams was named the winner of the award. As an Enrichment Manager at HMP Parc, Jamie works with young offenders at Parc’s Young Offenders Institution. In his role, he has developed a wide range of innovative programmes designed to give children and young people the support, skills, and confidence they need to succeed. Jamie’s initiatives include mental health support, and he has empowered countless young people to overcome obstacles and aspire towards brighter futures.
The highly commended runner-up in this award category was Amber O’Brien, Head of Pharmacy at HMP Berwyn. Amber played a leading role in developing MAGPI (Medicines and GP Induction), a continuity-of-care process that ensures prison leavers are registered with a GP and have their medicines in place before release. Before MAGPI, no such systems existed in Wales, meaning many individuals left prison without access to any prescriptions or primary care, putting their physical and mental health at risk.
Since the launch of this new process, it is being rolled out across other Welsh prisons as a model of best practice. Crucially, it was designed with lived experience input, ensuring the service reflected the real needs of people leaving custody.
Jamie Williams was named the winner of the award. As an Enrichment Manager at HMP Parc, Jamie works with young offenders at Parc’s Young Offenders Institution. In his role, he has developed a wide range of innovative programmes designed to give children and young people the support, skills, and confidence they need to succeed. Jamie’s initiatives include mental health support, and he has empowered countless young people to overcome obstacles and aspire towards brighter futures.
The highly commended runner-up in this award category was Amber O’Brien, Head of Pharmacy at HMP Berwyn. Amber played a leading role in developing MAGPI (Medicines and GP Induction), a continuity-of-care process that ensures prison leavers are registered with a GP and have their medicines in place before release. Before MAGPI, no such systems existed in Wales, meaning many individuals left prison without access to any prescriptions or primary care, putting their physical and mental health at risk.
Since the launch of this new process, it is being rolled out across other Welsh prisons as a model of best practice. Crucially, it was designed with lived experience input, ensuring the service reflected the real needs of people leaving custody.
Both Jamie and Amber exemplify the compassion, innovation, and dedication that mental health professionals in the justice sector bring to their roles. Their work highlights the importance of accessible, well-designed mental health services within the justice system that not only support recovery and rehabilitation, but also provide impactful, life-improving services.