Dr Thomas Wells
Research Associate
Profile
Biography
From 2019 to 2024 Thomas was a PhD student researching English and Welsh male prison violence to provide an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon and therefore to be able to provide effective solutions. Thomas interviewed over 40 recently released prisoners housed in probation Approved Premises, covering topics such as prison strains, violence, coping mechanisms, mental health etc.
After being awarded a PhD in Social Policy and Social Work in 2024, Thomas joined the AMICABLE team in order to continue his interest in English and Welsh prison research and to take part in an important scheme that aims to improve prisoner mental health and reduce self-harm.
Qualifications
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Social Policy and Social Work (PhD), University of York
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Criminology and Social Research (MA), University of York
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Criminology (BA), University of York
Research
Overview
Thomas' research interests include understanding, and providing solutions to, violence and self-harm in English and Welsh prisons. Thomas is interested in the effects that prison strains, prisoner health and coping mechanisms/skills have on prisoner behaviour.
Projects
Thomas is part of a project called AMICABLE (Addressing Mental Health In Custody A Brief Learning Environment). The AMICABLE project aims to improve and support the mental well-being of prisoners through implementing and evaluating a Peer Support Problem Support Mentoring Scheme.