Danilo Falzon he/him

Working title of PhD: An exploration of peer support in prison in Scotland for people who use or have used drugs

Institution: Edinburgh Napier University

Year commenced: 2024

Full or part-time: Full time

Funding Source: ENU

Supervisors: Katrina Morrison, Liz Aston and Rebecca Foster

Synopsis: 

Individuals in prison are known to disproportionately experience problem substance use, alongside a range of other health and social needs. Healthcare and mental healthcare in prison remains extremely stretched and, in many cases, unable to meet the considerable demand which exists. Additionally, there is inconsistent provision of substance use related support within prisons, and tensions exist between public health and prohibition-oriented approaches. There is evidence that peer support interventions can be effective in addressing substance use issues, although there has been limited research into their implementation in Scottish prisons.

Research Questions:

1. What are the different forms of peer support available to people who use drugs in Scottish prisons, and what are their characteristics?
2. What is the lived experience of people who provide peer support in prison?
3. What is the lived experience of those who receive peer support in prison?

Methods

• Mapping of peer support in Scotland’s prisons for those who use or have used drugs.
• National strategic analysis via policy documents and interviews with recovery officers across Scotland.
• Case study approach with qualitative in-depth study in one or two prisons involving qualitative interviews with those delivering and in receipt of peer support.

Keywords: Prisons; substance use; peer-support