Health Literacy as a Driver of Change in NSW Prisons

In July 2025, the PARTNER project shared a new resource from Australia that highlights health literacy as a driver of change in prison health. Justice Health NSW launched the publication “Health Literacy and Equity in NSW Prisons – 260 Co-designed Action Ideas”, a comprehensive booklet developed through 21 workshops across correctional centres. The resource compiles […]

Overcrowding in European Prisons: A Worrying Trend

Recent reports from several EU countries point to a significant rise in prison populations, intensifying concerns around overcrowding, living conditions, and access to essential services within correctional facilities. These developments underscore the urgent need for coordinated policy responses that prioritise health equity, dignity, and evidence-based care for incarcerated populations. Read the full articles: ▪️ Italy: […]

“Women and Health” Dialogue Event Held at Don Bosco Prison in Pisa

On 13 June 2025, the Università di Pisa organised a dialogue event titled “Women and Health: A Dialogue on Wellbeing and Awareness” in the women’s wing of the Don Bosco Correctional Facility in Pisa, Italy. The event was held within the framework of the Erasmus+ project PARTNER (Participatory Approach for Training, Empowerment, and Health Education […]

Healthcare and Health Literacy in Greek Prisons: Identified Gaps and Challenges

A recent review of the Greek prison system brings to light several structural and operational barriers that affect the delivery of healthcare and the promotion of health literacy in custodial settings. Healthcare Services in Greek Prisons Upon admission, individuals are directed to social services and the infirmary, where their personal and family medical history is […]

High Prevalence of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Newly Incarcerated Individuals

On 16 April, we shared on social media a study examining mental health and substance use disorders among individuals recently admitted to prison in northern France. The study aimed to: The findings reveal alarmingly high prevalence rates of both mental health and substance use disorders among new prisoners—underscoring the need for early identification, specialised care, […]

Council of Europe Issues Recommendation on Mental Health in Prisons

On 7 April, we highlighted a recent development of great relevance to the prison health context. In 2023, the Council of Europe issued a Recommendation to its 46 member states, urging them to promote and protect the mental health of both prisoners and probationers. The Recommendation emphasises the importance of: This initiative reflects a broader […]