Cheltenham and District Samaritans branch prison support officer Debbie describes the role of postvention within prisons and how this has been put in place in Long Lartin.
Did you know that prisoners are six times more likely to take their own lives than the rest of the population? Samaritans’ vision is to reduce the number of deaths by suicide and this vision is particularly relevant in prison. The Listener scheme is instrumental in working towards the reduction. The Listeners, trained and supported by Samaritans, are available to listen to other prisoners who are experiencing any kind of emotional distress.
Understandably, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation service (HMPPS) is concerned to address the effects that a death by suicide have on other prisoners and on the officers who work in the prison. Their National Safety team asked Samaritans to develop a response, which they have done, and it is called the Postvention Response. So far it is only being rolled out in the men’s estate, not in the women’s or youth estates. Much work and thought have gone into developing a comprehensive programme and resources have been directed towards it.
While it is hoped that Postvention will be needed as little as possible, it is also likely to be helpful when there is any death in custody, whether by suicide or not. The first requirement is for the prison officers to be trained in how to help prisoners, as well as to acknowledge their own emotional responses and to reach out for help if they need it. Jessis Gane from Samaritans Central Office came down to the prison which we support, Long Lartin, and did three training sessions with more than 40 officers in all, including all senior staff. The senior officers will roll out the programme to other officers. Jessie also did a training session for our Listeners, supported by two of our prison team. The sessions were well received and the Safer Custody team have been proactive in ensuring that the prison is ready to deliver the response.
As of now, the prison will immediately inform Samaritans if there is a death and we will work with them to give support to Listeners, prisoners and officers, some of whom may need support over months. As Samaritans, we are trained to respond to people who are intending to take their own lives but it is rare for these conversations to take place face to face. In the enclosed environment of a prison, knowing how to approach others, what to say and how to help is crucial when working face to face with those in distress.
A wide range of booklets has been produced and delivered to the prison. They contain information for officers, for Listeners and for prisoners, presented in a helpful way to suggest approaches and sources of help.
We hope that there will be no deaths by suicide in Long Lartin, but the framework for Postvention is in place and we are prepared.