'Anxiety, unhappiness and loneliness' in NI jails

A recent survey has revealed that Northern Ireland's prison society is racked with anxiety, unhappiness and loneliness.

The Howard League for Penal Reform, architects of a survey among prison inmates, said it was calling on the prison service to implement the suggestions of the 317 prisoners who responded to a survey on reducing suicides and self-harm.

In May 2003 every prisoner in Northern Ireland was asked about the experience of being in custody and about ways of improving prison life and reducing suicide and self-harm behind bars. Key findings included:

• Almost a third of prisoners at Maghaberry prison reported feeling unsafe during association periods.
• 23% of prisoners were scared or depressed on reception into prison.
• 28% of prisoners had not had a visit since arriving in prison and separation from family, particularly children, was taking a heavy emotional toll.
• 13% of prisoners regularly felt that they had nothing left to live for.

Setting out their recommendations, following the responses, the Howard League for Penal Reform called on:

• Samaritan training for prisoners who can provide peer support inside the prison.
• Family days, extended visits and improved visiting facilities for children.
• A garden or other pleasant outside space where prisoners can go to relax, reflect and blow off steam.

Commenting on the state of prison society in the province, Claire McCarthy, author of the report 'Suicide and Self-harm: a strategy for Northern Ireland', said: “Suicide and self-injury in prison has to be taken seriously by the Northern Ireland Prison Service. There is much in this report of concern to the Howard League for Penal Reform but these problems are not insurmountable.

"The prison service should demonstrate that it is willing to listen and learn by implementing the eminently sensible suggestions made by the prisoners which I have no doubt would make a big difference to the lives of the men, women and children in prison as well as the staff who work with them."

(MB)