COMMENDEE 2025-26: A Unit Manager at HMP Maghaberry, Paul is granted a Commendation for his support for veterans in custody – a group especially marginalised in the Northern Ireland context – including establishing a veterans’ hub in the prison, in partnership with the armed forces charity SSAFA.

This nomination was drawn up by Claire Graham – Deputy Governor, HMP Maghaberry; and signed off by Tracy Megrath – Governing Governor, HMP Maghaberry. It followed an initial recommendation from Mental Health Lead, Irina Radu.

Introduction

Paul has worked within the Northern Ireland Prison service for 17 years. Paul joined as a night custody officer and has progressed through the ranks. Paul previously was in the British Army and this is what lead him to introducing a veterans hub for prisoners from armed forces.

Reasons for the nomination

At the conception of the veterans hub, Paul was a Senior Officer within our safety and support team supporting those most vulnerable in our care. Paul identified an ever increasing number of individuals in custody that were ex armed forces and Paul was all too aware that, with the political slant, this cohort felt particularly vulnerable and would isolate and not engage in anything meaningful.

Paul saw an opportunity to create a hub that would bring this group together and introduce them. Paul, along with the mental health lead, brought this cohort together and introduced them to other veterans – and so the veterans hub commenced. Paul linked in with SSAFA (armed forces charity) and now works collaboratively with them supporting veterans in custody and their well being.

Maghaberry have 50 plus veterans in custody and I have no doubt from feedback that this hub has been a lifeline. Paul feels so passionate that he has reached out to colleagues in another establishment and helped to establish a group there. This not only supports the establishment but is a comfort for prisoners that if they are to be moved that they will still have this support network.

Support for the nomination

Prisoner statement:

Paul Caproni has gone above and beyond to support the veteran’s community within Maghaberry prison. As a first time prisoner in Northern Ireland coming straight from battalion to a CAT A prison with a British accent being surrounded by people that don’t like soldiers due to past events that occurred in this country it’s safe to say I was stressed, but fortunately because of Paul Caproni a hub for veterans was created. My mental health was down the drain, I was ready to give up. I felt as though I had no purpose in life. My 10 year career as an infantry had come to an abrupt stop and I’ve just been thrown into prison. Life can be so cruel and I’ve really hit rock bottom.

At first I wasn’t too sure about it, as I wasn’t ready to share my past with strangers about my career in the army as I wasn’t sure if they were friendly forces or not but to my relief I found out that Paul and Tommie are veterans and both served in infantry units like me and Irina’s brother also served and was involved in some punchy tours and unfortunately came back with severe PTSD. When I knew this about them I was so relieved, finally! I can open up to these people they’re not just some random civvies being nosey about my past they have gained my trust not only that they can relate to my previous occupation and they know about the struggles and the demons that are in my head as a result of being in the army.

Paul has created a safe space for us veterans to come together and talk about what’s going on in our heads, and as you know recently men’s mental health isn’t really spoken about and men’s suicide rates are at an all-time high because men don’t want to speak out due to our big egos or trying to present a tough exterior to society. But in reality deep down is a lad crying out for help that needs to be told “it’s alright son we can get through this.” And thanks to Paul Caproni I now have a safe place to speak about my emotions and daily struggles. I know he doesn’t know this but he really have saved me and have pulled me out of the darkest part of my life. I really thought I was at the point of no return, but because of this group i have turned my life around not just my life but probably other veterans that come to the group. Paul selfless commitment and respect for veterans has been so inspiring to me. he has my total respect, not just mine but every other veteran. Finally on behalf of all the veterans in Maghaberry that you have gone out of your way to help, we thank you for all of your efforts to get us on to the road.

Sign off

Paul has been nominated by the Mental Health Lead for his work supporting the needs of all who come into custody but in particular veterans , this can be particularly difficult for these men when you factor in the Northern Ireland context. The creation of the Veterans well being hub and the multi-discipline approach taken has helped these men to engage, progress and feel part of the wider prison community.

Tracy Megrath, Governing Governor, HMP Maghaberry