Prison Health and Wellbeing

Prison Health and Wellbeing blends theory with lived experience to explore the complex challenges and interventions that shape health and wellbeing for those living in, working in, and visiting prisons.

People in prison are far from a homogenous group, yet epidemiological evidence consistently shows higher rates of ill-health compared to the wider population. Historically, research has focused almost exclusively on individuals in custody, often overlooking the health needs of prison staff and others within these environments. This book addresses these gaps by offering comprehensive insights into the social, structural and cultural factors that influence health in prison contexts. Moving beyond a narrow focus on disease, disability and deficit, it adopts a salutogenic perspective – asking what keeps people healthy, not just what makes them ill. By reframing prison health through a holistic lens, this book provides a critical foundation for improving wellbeing in one of society’s most challenging environments.

Prison Health and Wellbeing is an essential resource for students and scholars of criminology, public health and health promotion. It will also prove invaluable for policymakers, commissioners and practitioners delivering health services in prisons.

James Woodall is a Professor in Health Promotion at Leeds Beckett University.

Matthew Maycock, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Monash University and was previously Baxter Fellow in the School of Education and Social Work, University of Dundee and Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Gender Studies, Karlstad University.

Rosie Meek is a Professor of Criminological Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London.