Samaritan volunteers support people in Maghaberry Prison where the Listener scheme has gone from strength to strength....We also support people in Hydebank Wood
Reaching a Vulnerable Group
Did you know that people who are serving custodial sentences are at a substantially increased risk of suicide and self-harm? As part of Samaritans' programme of work in prisons, volunteers from Belfast branch (and other nearby branches) regularly visit Maghaberry and Hydebank to provide the same sort of support that we offer to our callers. We also provide the same sort of telephone support that we extend to all of our callers to those who may be at increased risk.
Listening Scheme
As well as regular visits, over the last decade and more, with the support and co-operation of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and specially trained prisoners we have operated a Listening Scheme within Maghaberry prison. This has involved Samaritans providing training and support to specially selected prisoners who take on the role of providing the Samaritan listening and support service to their fellow prisoners at times when it may not be possible to access Samaritan services directly.
Although sometimes very demanding, many who have participated in the scheme over the years have found this to be personally rewarding and offered them a new sense of purpose.