This is the last article you can read this month
You can read more article this month
You can read more articles this month
Sorry your limit is up for this month
Reset on:
Please help support the Morning Star by subscribing here
THE number of prisoners in Scotland who have been placed on suicide watch has increased by 28 per cent since 2007, new figures revealed today.
A freedom of information request by Scottish Labour found that 2,956 inmates are being supported by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) initiative Talk To Me.
The strategy, launched in 2016, works “closely with NHS partners to develop individualised plans and provide contact with Samaritans, where trained listeners provide additional support.”
The number of prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm has fluctuated in the past 16 years, peaking at 3,217 in 2021.
Scottish Labour community safety spokeswoman Katy Clark said the “alarming” figures show an “urgent” need for reform in the prison system.
“We have a mental health crisis in Scottish prisons, which is only exacerbated by our extremely high imprisonment rate and dangerously overcrowded estate,” she said.
“Prison workers are going above and beyond for those in custody in difficult conditions, but they aren’t trained health professionals.
“It’s clear staff need relevant support and training and the SPS need more funding and resource.”
Ms Clark also warned of people with pre-existing mental health conditions being given custodial sentences instead of treatment, which she said were linked to failing mental health, alcohol and drug services.
Scottish Labour is calling on the Scottish government to review the role of open prisons, secure care units and day custody approaches, with local custody services developed for women and young people in particular.
A spokesman for the SPS said the wellbeing of those in its care is a key priority and the service has sought to improving staff training.
A Scottish government spokesperson said it is working with the SPS to implement a new strategy and action plan.