Since 2022, In But Free has partnered with Ubumi Prison Initiative, with support from Civil Society in Development (CISU), to implement the Mental Health Continues to Matter Project across 11 correctional facilities in Lusaka, Central, Eastern, and Copperbelt Provinces. On the Copperbelt, In But Free leads implementation in Kamfinsa Male, Kamfinsa Female, Ndola Remand, and Kansenshi facilities. The project addresses the often-overlooked mental health needs of inmates by introducing systematic screening for mental health disorders, conducting patient reviews, and providing medication support. It also establishes and facilitates mental health support groups, promotes awareness among inmates and officers, and builds the capacity of correctional health workers to identify, manage, and respond to mental health challenges.
The Goal of the Mental Continues to Matter Project is to promote and safeguard the rights of mental health patients in Zambian correctional facilities through capacity building of civil society organisations, strengthening networks, and advocating to duty bearers for improved mental health services. By empowering trained inmates and officers, facilitating peer support groups, and driving advocacy for better resources, the project creates safe spaces for care, challenges stigma, and enhances access to essential mental health services within prisons.