Veterans in Prison
PTSD Resolution and Armed Forces' Veterans in the Criminal Justice System
PTSD Resolution has a long-standing commitment to supporting armed forces veterans with mental health needs — whether they are in the community, at work, or within the criminal justice system. Veterans who have been released from prison, or who are approaching release, are still able to access our free therapy. Please contact us directly to register.
Please note:
Following a change in NHS policy, PTSD Resolution is no longer able to deliver therapy sessions directly inside prisons in England. However, we continue to work within prisons in Scotland and Wales, where demand for our services is growing. We recognise the withdrawal from English prisons is a significant gap in provision, and we continue to advocate for better mental health support for veterans in custody.
Our Work with Veterans in Prison — A Record of Achievement
Between our founding in 2009 and the introduction of NHS restrictions, PTSD Resolution treated 213 ex-service men and women across 36 UK prisons, with measurably positive results. We are proud of that record.
As an independent charity with a network of 200 therapists across the UK, we had stepped in where others would not: treating veterans affected by PTSD who were also dealing with addiction, who were based in high-security settings, or who had been entirely overlooked by mainstream mental health services.
The need has not gone away. A 2018 study on mental health found that up to 27% of male prisoners and 37% of female prisoners suffer post-traumatic stress symptoms. The same research found that 90% of detainees with PTSD had received no psychological treatment — making PTSD the least treated mental disorder in the prison system.
In Scotland, we work closely with SSAFA Veterans in Reach, and in Wales our work is supported through Op NOVA — partnerships that are helping us reach more veterans in custody and ensure that those approaching release have a clear route to ongoing mental health support.
Charles Highett, CEO of PTSD Resolution, says: "It is vital that the mental health needs of veterans in custody remain firmly in public view. PTSD does not stop at the prison gate. We are frustrated by the restrictions now placed on our ability to help these men and women directly in England, and we will continue to do everything we can to support veterans before and after release — and to campaign for a restoration of access."
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a reaction to trauma. It can emerge years after a triggering event and involves both emotional and physical distress. Common symptoms include:
- Nightmares and flashbacks
- Feeling 'on guard' all the time
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty sleeping
- Emotional numbness and poor concentration
- Substance abuse, self-harm, violence, and suicide risk
About Our Therapy
PTSD Resolution therapy does not require clients to relive traumatic experiences. Through a series of confidential, one-to-one sessions, our therapists help veterans understand and relieve their symptoms, and build better tools for managing anger and stress. Treatment typically takes an average of seven sessions and is delivered free of charge.
A Note from One of Our Therapists
One of our therapists, Andrew, treated 27 veterans in Category A and B prisons over several years. He found that many veterans adapt to the prison environment by drawing on their military training — routine, structure, and peer relationships all play a role in keeping them grounded.
Andrew's advice for anyone struggling right now:
"PTSD symptoms like fear, anger, nightmares and poor sleep can be addressed. Try this simple breathing exercise: breathe in through your nose for a count of seven, then out through your mouth for a count of eleven. Do this slowly and deeply for a few minutes. It's a small thing, but it can help you feel steadier."
How to Get Help After Release
If you are a veteran of the UK armed forces and have been released from prison — or are approaching your release date — PTSD Resolution can offer you free, confidential therapy, delivered locally or online.
Call: 0300 302 0551
Email: contact@ptsdresolution.org
Register online: www.ptsdresolution.org/get-help/register-for-help
For Organisations Supporting Veterans in Prison
If your organisation works with veterans in the criminal justice system — whether in England, Scotland or Wales — we would welcome a conversation about how we can support veterans upon release, and how our Trauma Awareness Training and Education (TATE) programme can help your staff better understand and respond to trauma.
There are many ways to work with us — as a referral partner, a charity partner, or through fundraising support. Please get in touch.