Previous Article
News
Mental Health & Probation: Expert Insights with Charlie Brooker and Coral Sirdifield
In a recent interview, Cristina Neves from the CEP Expert Groups on Mental Health spoke with Charlie Brooker and Coral Sirdifield, co-authors of the influential paper Best Practice in Working with People with Mental Health Problems on Probation. Their discussion provided powerful insights into the challenges and opportunities of addressing mental health within probation services.
Charlie and Coral emphasised that probation presents a unique opportunity to engage individuals who might otherwise not access mental health support. However, they also highlighted the gap between the needs of those on probation and the capacity of mainstream mental health services, particularly when dealing with mandated clients who often show low motivation for treatment.
A key takeaway from their research is the importance of stronger collaboration between mental health and justice sectors, aiming to tailor services for this complex population. They also discussed the pressing need for specialised training for probation officers and explored the potential of peer support and mentoring to foster better outcomes.
As we approach the Workshop on Mental Health Importance: Supporting Treatment Processes in Probation in Barcelona on 26-27 November 2024, these insights will be critical in shaping conversations on how to enhance support systems and reduce reoffending through targeted mental health interventions.
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
New
Probation in Europe
New Division episode: Daniel Wolter on the DBH Federal Association
23/02/2026
The 18th episode of Division_Y features Daniel Wolter, Director of the DBH Federal Association for Social Work, Criminal Law and Criminal Policy, based in Cologne, Germany.
New
Victims rights
European Day for Victims of Crime
23/02/2026
Yesterday, 22 February, marked the European Day for Victims of Crime.
At CEP, we recognise that crime causes harm to individuals and communities. Probation work focuses on accountability, rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, contributing to the prevention of further victimisation.
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Jana Bewersdorff
19/02/2026
During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.
Enjoy reading!
Recap
Research
Recap: Expert group on Research
18/02/2026
The Expert Group on Research met on 17 February at the CEP office in Utrecht, The Netherlands, for its annual face‑to‑face meeting.
New
CEP members
New CEP member:Â Killian Evert
17/02/2026
In recent weeks, CEP has interviewed individual members and representatives of the new member organisations that joined CEP at the beginning of 2026. In these interviews, the new member organisations or individual members will share information on why they decided to become members, how they would like to contribute to the development of CEP and many more.
Enjoy reading!
New
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Line Elisabeth Wilberg
11/02/2026
During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.
Enjoy reading!
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.