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.
Recap

CEP Events, Communication and Awareness-Raising
Recap: Conference on Public Perception of Probation
06/05/2025
From 6 to 7 May, the CEP Conference on the Public Perception of Probation in Europe took place in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing together over 100 participants from more than 20 countries. The event offered space for open discussion, exchange of experiences, and practical ideas on how probation is seen and supported across Europe.
New

Probation in Europe
New Interview Online with Felix Gerike, a survivor of a knife attack
01/05/2025
What do victims of violent crime need to recover—and what can be done to prevent such attacks?
In the latest episode of Division_Y, Jo Tein, CEP board member, speaks with Felix Gerike, a survivor of the 2023 Brokstedt knife attack in Germany. Felix played a crucial role in disarming the attacker, helping to prevent further harm. He shares his personal experience, reflections on victim support, and his views on justice and policy responses to violent crime.
Probation in Europe
New Executive Summaries for the report on Building Probation Capacity in Spanish and Italian
01/05/2025
Updated

CEP Board, Probation in Europe
New Interview Online: Maren Michels – The Role of NGOs in Probation
22/04/2025
In the newest Division_Y interview, Maren Michels, director of the Hamburg Welfare Association, shares her experiences and reflects on the vital role that NGOs play in supporting people during and after incarceration.
New

CEP Events
Want to Win a CEP Award? See How Finland Did It – Apply for 2025!
22/04/2025
We’re excited to share an exclusive interview with the winners of the Development of National Probation Services Award from the CEP Awards 2022:
The Prison and Probation Service of Finland.
New

Volunteers
International Day for Community Volunteers
17/04/2025
 17 April – International Day for Community Volunteers!
Today, we celebrate the inaugural International Day for Community Volunteers Supporting Offender Reintegration—a day dedicated to acknowledging the vital contributions of volunteers who assist individuals in their journey back into society.​
This initiative was launched during the 2nd World Congress for Community Volunteers, held alongside the 6th World Congress on Parole and Probation in The Hague (16–18 April 2024).​
At CEP, we’re proud to support the official Declaration on the International Day for Community Volunteers. We’re also actively involved in the CoPPer project—a European initiative aimed at promoting community participation in probation services. CoPPer focuses on training volunteers to support individuals under supervision, helping them access education, employment, and community connections. ​

A heartfelt thank you to all the community volunteers out there—your dedication makes a real difference.​
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
"*" indicates required fields
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.