Prisoners have shared the anxieties of the general population about possibly becoming ill themselves with covid-19 or their loved ones becoming ill. This has been combined with the most severe restrictions on their daily lives, going beyond those experienced by the general population. For example, family contact was restricted, and in circumstances where enhanced digital access was not available, the restriction on family access would potentially have exacerbated the effect on Mental health in prison 29 prisoners’ mental health. We recognise and understand that the restrictions on prisoners during the period of the pandemic will have saved numerous lives, but, we are concerned about the impact of the pandemic on prisoners’ mental health and how well prepared HMPPS and NHS will be for the increase in the need for mental healthcare services as a result.