Veterans in Prison
PTSD Resolution Supports Armed Forces’ Veterans
PTSD Resolution supports armed forces’ veterans with mental health issues at work, in the community, and in prison to support their rehabilitation and life prospects.
PTSD and Veterans in Prison
PTSD Resolution has treated 202 ex-service men and women in 34 UK prisons - with good results. As an independent mental health charity with 200 therapists across the UK, PTSD Resolution has stepped up to confront a problem others ignore: PTSD is on the rise amongst ex-military personnel and, unsurprisingly, in prisons.
A 2018 study on mental health worldwide found that up to 27% of male prisoners - and 37% of female prisoners - suffer Post Traumatic Stress symptoms. The same study revealed 90% of detainees with PTSD have received no psychological treatment, making PTSD the least treated mental disorder in prisons.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a reaction to trauma. It sometimes occurs years after the 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
Therapist’s Story: Andrew
One of PTSD Resolution's therapists, Andrew, has treated 27 veterans in Category A and B prisons, serving long sentences. Helping a person in prison with PTSD follows the same process as helping anyone: finding out what is missing in their life and looking for ways to supply it.
Andrew explains that many veterans see being locked up as similar to being on a military tour, which helps them cope. Routine, relationships, and emotional support are critical to recovery.
PTSD Resolution Treatment
PTSD Resolution therapy does not require clients to relive traumatic experiences. Instead, through multiple one-to-one sessions, therapists help veterans relieve symptoms and improve anger and stress management.
Getting help early is crucial. In many cases, PTSD is linked to imprisonment in the first place, making early intervention essential.
A Message from Andrew:
“Many people in prison have experienced trauma in their lives, including abusive childhoods. PTSD symptoms like fear, anger, addictions, nightmares, and poor sleep can be addressed. Try a simple breathing exercise to calm your system: 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, and see if it helps you feel calmer.”
How to Get Help
If you are a veteran of the UK armed forces or a family member and need support, please contact us:
Call: 0300 302 0551
Email: contact@ptsdresolution.org
Armed Forces Covenant: Employer Recognition Scheme
By supporting PTSD Resolution, organisations can fulfill Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and the Armed Forces Covenant.
The ERS encourages employers to support the armed forces community and inspire others to do the same. The scheme offers bronze, silver, and gold awards for organisations that demonstrate support for the Armed Forces Covenant.
Working with You
There are many opportunities to support us. You can simply donate funds or actively collaborate with us as a charity partner. We have extensive experience working with organisations to enhance their social impact.
Veterans in prison- news article
PTSD and Veterans in Prison
A recent report in The Guardian has highlighted rising prisoner populations and strained resources in England and Wales's prisons, disproportionately affecting veterans with mental health challenges.
PTSD Resolution provides critical support for veterans in the criminal justice system through free mental health treatment, delivered in prison. Up to 27% of men and 37% of women in prison who served in the UK military live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
By addressing their mental health struggles, the charity not only eases individual suffering but facilitates the reintegration of veterans after release. PTSD Resolution has already provided therapy to over 202 veterans across 34 prisons. However, with the number of incarcerated veterans increasing amidst broader prison population growth, the need is even more pressing today.
Expanding Support for Veterans
PTSD Resolution CEO Charles Highett states, "It is vital that these issues of mental health are brought to the forefront of public discussion and that action is taken to address them. Only through acknowledging and tackling these challenges can the mental health needs of prisoners and specifically veterans in custody be dealt with, reducing stigma, enhancing social inclusion, and assisting rehabilitation."
The charity has made significant inroads, treating veterans across England's prison system, but much work remains. PTSD Resolution has conducted therapy sessions in 34 prisons to date, leaving 65 prisons that have not yet received their services.
Prisons Treated by PTSD Resolution
- HMP Bedford
- HMP Channings Wood
- HMP Coldingley
- HMP Cumbria
- HMP Dartmoor
- HMP Doncaster
- HMP Erlestoke
- HMP Exeter
- HMP Featherstone
- HMP Frankland
- HMP Garth
- HMP Haverigg
- HMP Highdown
- HMP Hull
- HMP Kirkham
- HMP Lancaster Farms
- HMP Lindholme
- HMP Long Lartin
- HMP Parc
- HMP Parkhurst
- HMP Peterborough
- HMP Polmont
- >HMP Portland
- >HMP Prescoed
- HMP Risley
- HMP Sudbury
- HMP Swaleside
- HMP Thorne Cross
- HMP Verne
- HMP Wakefield
- HMP Wandsworth
- HMP Wealstun
- HMP Winchester
- HMP YOI Stoke Heath
Future Plans
PTSD Resolution is currently seeking funding for a three-year project to significantly expand support for vulnerable veterans across prisons in England. The project will provide therapy and trauma awareness training to improve care within the system.
"While proud of our impact so far, PTSD Resolution aims to expand our reach. With over three-quarters of prisons yet to receive therapy sessions, vulnerable veterans in many facilities still lack access to our specialist trauma treatment. The charity is actively working to form new partnerships and increase capacity to help underserved veterans confronting service-related mental health challenges," says Charles Highett.
How to Get Help
If you are a veteran of the UK armed forces or a family member and need support, please contact us:
Call: 0300 302 0551
Email: contact@ptsdresolution.org
Support Through the Armed Forces Covenant
By supporting PTSD Resolution, organisations can fulfill Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and the Armed Forces Covenant.
The ERS encourages employers to support the armed forces community and inspire others to do the same. The scheme offers bronze, silver, and gold awards for organisations that demonstrate support for the Armed Forces Covenant.
Working with You
There are many opportunities to support us. You can simply donate funds or actively collaborate with us as a charity partner. We have extensive experience working with organisations to enhance their social impact.