Audit of a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) course within a prison

This audit evaluates the effectiveness of an eight-week MBCT programme conducted in a prison environment. It considers, the value of running a similar programme in future, what lessons can be learnt and how the programme could be improved. The impetus for this project originated from members of a prison-reading group. An LSBU lecturer was asked to attend a book club for a professional mental health perspective on the topic of discussion. The value of mindfulness was raised and participants were very keen to start up a mindfulness programme within the prison. They believed that it would be a valuable tool in learning to cope with the stress of the prison environment and they were hopeful of learning new skills in dealing with life in general.