Claire's research focuses on mental health vulnerabilities in relation to the criminal justice system and the repeated detention of individuals under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act (whereby the police have the power to remove a person to a place of safety if that person appears to be in need of immediate care or control owing to their mental state).
Having worked for the NHS as a prison primary care mental health practitioner and prior to that as probation service officer in the community for many years, she has a strong interest in the importance of treating common mental health problems among the more marginalised members of society. Claire completed her PhD in 2019 and is continuing to research the care and needs of individuals who have experienced recurrent suicide attempts.
Claire’s previous research experience was gained on projects exploring the use of Section 136 in Sussex and examining continuity of access to physical and mental health care for those transitioning through the criminal justice system.