Institute of Criminology Public Seminars: 'Resolving problems and coping better in custody: a peer-led problem support mentor scheme'

Speaker: Professor Amanda Perry, University of York

Abstract: In this talk, Amanda will introduce the evaluation of a peer-led Problem Support Mentor Scheme in six prisons in the UK.  This four-year funded National Institute of Health and Social Care funded study (referred to as AMICABLE) uses a quasi-mixed methods experimental research design.  Amanda will present the issue that problems in everyday life are challenging, but when faced with custody many problems are more complicated to address.  Addressing problems helps to improve mental health and well-being and can prevent an incidence of crisis.  Indicators of crisis could include self-harm and violent behaviour but resources to help those in custody are limited.  Amanda will describe the peer-led Problem Support Mentor Scheme as a preventative intervention that can be delivered by anyone with limited training.  In her study people in custody are trained as Mentors to deliver a systematic six step problem solving model to help peers find ways of dealing with and coping better with the problems they experience.  Amanda will discuss how the project developed; the research methodologies and include the voice of the service user in her delivery of the presentation.

Amanda Perry is a Professor at the University of York where she is an established leader of the Forensic Mental Health Research Group. Amanda is interested in evaluating the impact of psychological interventions to support the mental health and wellbeing of people involved in the criminal justice system. Amanda worked with David Farrington on previous systematic reviews.

A drinks reception for informal conversation will take place in the Institute of Criminology lower ground floor seminar room for all who attend in person.

To register to attend in-person or online, see the Institute of Criminology website.  

If you wish to be added to the seminar mailing list, please contact: events@crim.cam.ac.uk

Please note seminars and events are recorded (not Q&A sessions).