Caring for the Suicidal in Custody: Developing a Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Abstract

Faced with a sharp increase in the overall number of completed suicides in the prison population in England and Wales (up to 5 times the average for the rest of the population in 1989/90), HM Prison Service, with the support of The Samaritans, has been developing a new strategy to reduce the level of suicide and self-harm in custody. The strategy focuses on replacing the “medical model” with a “community care” model, involving prison staff, prisoners, medical staff and Samaritan volunteers as “helpers” in the very difficult area of supporting those at risk of suicide while in prison. It places particular emphasis on a better quality of care through supportive relationships at all levels. This article describes the background to the problem and gives a general outline of the new strategy, an example of the strategy in practice, the role of training and support, and the steps that have been taken to spread good practice.