The Samaritans has worked with HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) to train former prisoners to help new prisoners deal with life inside, with the aim of reducing suicide and self-harm.
The risk of suicide is higher when prisoners enter or move prisons, and prisoners are 10 times more likely to take their own lives than people outside of prison. Being able to manage your emotions can act as a buffer against suicide risk.
Trainers with experience of being in prison ran pilot sessions in two London prisons, to increase the emotional resilience of new arrivals. Nearly nine out of 10 of the new prisoners said they found the sessions useful.
