Focus on Staff Well-Being within Mauritius Prison Service

“Stronger Together: Empowering Staff within the Mauritius Prison Service”, was the focus of a workshop held today at the Prison Training School in Beau Bassin, as part of a research project on prisons, drugs, mental health and staff well-being.

The research project, led by the University of Leicester in collaboration with partners including Le Chantier and the Mauritius Prison Service, seeks to seeks to deepen understanding on the issues affecting prison services, with its findings expected to inform future policies and support measures.

The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Kan Oye Fong Weng-Poorun; the British High Commissioner to Mauritius, Mr Paul Brummell; the Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Rashidali Issa Beekun; and other personalities were present at the opening.

The Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Leicester, Dr Tammy Ayres facilitated the workshop and outlined challenges facing prison staff in different countries, including Mauritius.

The British High Commissioner welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of bringing together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to develop practical responses in relation to the difficulties in prison. He commended the cooperation between the Mauritius Prison Service and UK researchers, particularly the involvement of prison staff in shaping the survey questionnaire, which he said will help to ensure that the research reflects their experiences and realities.

As for Commissioner Beekun, he emphasised that the welfare of prison staff is closely linked to the effectiveness and security of the prison service. He noted that officers work in a demanding environment, managing difficult situations, supporting vulnerable persons and contributing to rehabilitation and reintegration of detainees. Mr Beekun called for greater attention to occupational stress and burnout, as well as access to appropriate support mechanisms.

11 September 2026

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Topics: Defence and Home Affairs