Health Promotion in the England and Wales Justice System: Examining the Get Well, Stay Well Agreement

Health inequalities are disproportionately experienced by children, young people, and adults both in custody and at the margins of the criminal justice system. The Get Well, Stay Well Agreement has been introduced in the UK to bring together government departments, health providers, and physical activity and sport organisations as part of a national plan to better utilise physical activity and sport to increase the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and adults in the welfare and justice systems. This chapter introduces the Get Well, Stay Well Agreement and highlights how sport and physical activity can be used not only as an early intervention tool, but also as one to support prevention, diversion, and resettlement strategies. Furthermore, the evidence surrounding the benefits of improved mental and physical health and wellbeing as a means to reduce crime and reoffending is critically examined.