We welcome the commitment of the health secretary, Andrew Lansley, and the justice secretary, Ken Clarke, to divert people with mental health needs away from the justice system where possible and to improve treatment and support in the community (£5m scheme to divert mentally ill offenders from prison, 28 March). Many men, women and children in prison have two or more mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, many others struggle with a learning disability, and significant numbers have severe and ongoing illnesses such as schizophrenia and personality disorders. Prison healthcare is too often a catch-all for people who would be better cared for outside the criminal justice system.
Lord Bradley's recent review of diversion from the criminal justice system into treatment and social care said "there are more people with mental health problems in prison than ever. While public protection remains the priority ... custody can exacerbate mental ill-health, heighten vulnerability and increase the risk of self-harm and suicide."
The Care Not Custody campaign was inspired by the tragic death in prison of the son of a Norfolk WI member. Three years since the campaign was launched, we are pleased that both secretaries of state have agreed to work together and commit further resources to the full roll- out of a national liaison and diversion scheme by 2014, as proposed by the Bradley report. We plan to work in partnership to make sure that the government keeps its "care not custody" promise.
Ruth Bond Chair, National Federation of Women's Institutes
Juliet Lyon Director, Prison Reform Trust
Javed Khan Chief executive, Victim Support
Peter Carter Chief executive, Royal College of Nursing
Steve Shrubb Director, Mental Health Network, NHS Confederation
Paul McKeever Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales
Christopher Kinch QC Chairman, Criminal Bar Association
Paddy Scriven General secretary, Prison Governors' Association
Colin Moses Chairman, Prison Officers Association
Sue Hall Chair, Probation Chiefs Association
Paul Jenkins Chief executive, Rethink Mental Illness
Paul Farmer Chief executive, Mind
Sean Duggan Co-director, Centre for Mental Health
Mark Goldring Chief executive, Mencap
Elisabeth Pritchard Chief executive, National Appropriate Adult Network
Frances Crook Director, Howard League for Penal Reform
Clive Martin Director, Clinks
Jon Collins Director, Criminal Justice Alliance
Dominic Williamson Chief executive, Revolving Doors Agency
Karyn Kirkpatrick Chief executive, KeyRing Living Support Networks
David Utting Secretary, Independent Commission on Youth Crime
Rachel Halford Director, Women in Prison
Deborah Cowley Director, Action for Prisoners' Families
Roma Hooper Director, Make Justice Work