Prisoners going through difficult times are allowed to make free calls to our 24 hour helpline. Last year men in Warwickshire prisons rang Samaritans over 13,000 times
All our volunteers are trained on how to support prisoners, but 20 have recently done some advanced training to learn more about what prison life is really like. This is all part of our work to support people who are finding it difficult to cope and to reduce the risk factors that can lead to suicide. Prisoners are especially at risk as they are up to 10 times more likely to take their own lives as those in the general population.
Volunteers on the training course.
People in prison can also talk to Listeners. These are prisoners who are specially trained by Samaritans to offer confidential peer support to anyone who might be struggling to cope or who is feeling worried or frightened. In Coventry we support the Listener schemes at Onley and Rye Hill prisons and visit them both regularly.
Listeners have undoubtedly saved countless prisoners’ lives.
Howard League for Penal Reform. Preventing Prison Suicide, 2016
Throughout the seven years that I was the Head of the Prison Service, Samaritans were the most loyal and supportive organisation and carrying out vital work to stem the tragedies of suicide.
Sir Martin Narey, previous Director General of the Prison Service, and former Chief Executive of the National Offender Management Service
Are you worried about someone in prison?
Click the arrow to see how we can help
You can ring us free at any time on 116 123 to talk about how you are feeling
Tell the person you know about the Listener Scheme
Let them know that they can phone Samaritans free of charge from their prison. The number to ring is 0845 450 7797
Follow this link for more information about coping with life in prison. Please note that you may find some of this upsetting.