Report highlights jail 'anxiety'

13% of prisoners regularly felt they had nothing left to live for

Recommendations on combating suicide and self harm in jails will be carefully considered, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has said.

The Howard League for Penal Reform published its report on Monday, based on the responses of 317 prisoners last May to questioning about their experiences in the province's jails.

The independent penal reform charity said that inmates' responses depicted a prison population "riven with anxiety, unhappiness and loneliness".

In response, the Prison Service said work was in progress to implement a review of policy and practices for dealing with prisoners at risk.

Key findings of the charity's report, Suicide and Self-harm Prevention, include:

• 13% of prisoners regularly felt they had nothing left to live for
• 28% had not been visited since arriving in prison, and separation from their families was taking a heavy emotional toll, especially from their children
• 23% felt scared or depressed upon entering jail
• Almost a third of prisoners at Maghaberry reported feeling unsafe during times when allowed to mix with other inmates

The report recommended Samaritan training for prisoners, who could then provide support for other inmates.

It also called for family days, extended visits and improved visiting facilities for children, as well as a garden or outside space for relaxation.

Report author Claire McCarthy said the Howard League was concerned by much of the report but the problems were 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," she said.

The Prison Service said it had taken a number of proactive measures to prevent individuals from harming themselves.