In this insightful interview, Manisha Guru, previously Assistant Psychologist at HMP Long Lartin and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion for Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, reflects on the intersection of race, culture, and mental health in the prison system. She discusses the transformative potential of EDI Champions in promoting inclusive practices and challenging structural inequalities from within.
A key focus is her experience of ‘Cultural Sensitivity in Clinical Practice’ training, which inspired changes to clinical assessment tools—integrating culturally responsive questions to better reflect prisoners’ identities, beliefs, and lived experiences. Throughout the interview, Manisha advocates for mandatory anti-racism and cultural competency training across all prison disciplines. This piece offers a compelling case for embedding equity into everyday prison practice and culture.
