More than 50 prisons across the UK and Ireland took part in yoga and meditation activities as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024. Staff used yoga sequence handouts, DVDs and CDs from The Prison Phoenix Trust to guide the people in their care through yoga and meditation exercises to support good mental health.

Launched for Mental Health Awareness Week 13-19 May, people in prison were invited to take part in 30 days of yoga and meditation with The PPT’s Yoga 30 Challenge. The PPT’s regular yoga classes were available in 14 of the prisons taking part. In these, and others, people also took part in their prison cells.

A man in HMP Rochester committed “to start doing yoga first thing every day”. A man in HMP Chelmsford alternated between one day yoga, and one day meditation. Someone in HMP Winchester, who was new to yoga, added different positions at intervals throughout the 30-day challenge.

“I really enjoy yoga and meditation and it’s helping may stay mental and physically fit as I get older.”  J, HMP Downview

There is now strong evidence that yoga and meditation help people in prison to withstand the pressures and prepare for a healthier life beyond jail.

There is recognition amongst prison managers that improving mental health is an essential foundation to other rehabilitative activities.

Two thirds of people serving prison sentences currently report mental health struggles. According to a 2023 survey commissioned by the NHS, the most common presenting issues are anxiety/depression (29%), psychosis (22%), and personality disorder (17%). More than half (54%) had previously self-harmed. Tragically, in 2023 there were 92 deaths by suicide.

The Yoga 30 Challenge from The Prison Phoenix Trust provided an opportunity for prison staff to highlight the mental health benefits of yoga and meditation to the people in their care. In HMP Chelmsford yoga sequence handouts from The PPT were blown up and displayed as posters on the wall. A sample pack of a range of resources was available and men are encouraged to order their own copies of free yoga resources from The PPT.

“Lots of the men ask for yoga and mindfulness and they really like The PPT resources,” a staff member said.

In HMP Fivewells, the prison’s PE instructors used the resources to teach prisoners; in HMP Eastwood Park they were used by a mental health crisis worker and in HMPYOI Portland they were used by a neurodiversity support worker.

Supporting rehabilitation of people in prison since 1988, The Prison Phoenix Trust is the leading provider of expertise in yoga and meditation in secure settings. It currently offers support to 137 regular yoga classes in 55 prisons, young offenders institutions and secure hospitals.

Anyone working in secure establishments in the UK and Ireland can order The PPT’s free yoga and meditation resources here.