People in contact with the justice system face some of the highest mental health risks in society, yet support systems often remain fragmented, under-resourced, or difficult to access. Across Europe and internationally, growing evidence continues to show strong links between justice-system involvement, psychological distress, self-harm, social exclusion, and suicide risk (Slade & Borschmann, 2025). PREVENT was created in response to this urgent challenge.
The project brings together experts and stakeholders from health, justice, research, policy, and community sectors to develop more connected, evidence-informed, and human-centred approaches to prevention and support. By encouraging collaboration across disciplines and institutions, PREVENT aims to strengthen how mental health and psychosocial needs are recognised and addressed throughout justice pathways and community reintegration processes.
PREVENT recognises that prevention cannot rely only on crisis response. It requires earlier intervention, better coordination between services, stronger community support systems, and more inclusive approaches that reduce stigma and barriers to care. Through research, stakeholder engagement, knowledge exchange, and practical tools, the project will contribute to building systems that are more responsive to the needs of vulnerable individuals and communities (World Health Organization [WHO], 2014).
The project also places strong emphasis on lived experience, social determinants of health, and the wider environmental factors that shape mental wellbeing. Housing instability, unemployment, trauma, substance use, isolation, and disrupted social networks are all closely connected to mental health outcomes among justice-involved populations (Slade & Borschmann, 2025). PREVENT seeks to address these challenges through a holistic and cross-sectoral lens.
Ultimately, PREVENT aims to contribute to healthier communities, improved wellbeing, and stronger prevention systems that support individuals before crises escalate. By connecting expertise across Europe and beyond, the project hopes to support long-term change in how mental health, resilience, and prevention are approached within justice and community settings.
References
Slade, K., & Borschmann, R. (2025). Suicide prevention following conviction within the criminal justice system: A review of good practice using a social-ecological framework. BMC Global and Public Health, 3, 79. https://doi.org/10.1186/s44263-025-00199-x
World Health Organization. (2014). Preventing suicide: A global imperative. WHO.