17/10/2022

Justice Minister Praises Samaritan's Work In NI Prisons

Justice Minister Naomi Long has praised the work of Samaritan volunteers and their major contribution to safer custody in Northern Ireland's prisons.

Marking 20 years of the Samaritan's Listener scheme at Magilligan Prison, the Minister praised the charity for its life-saving work with prisoners going through a difficult time and in training others to do the same.

Listeners are specially trained prisoners who offer confidential emotional support to their peers who may be struggling to cope or have suicidal feelings. Prior to the Covid pandemic Listeners in Northern Ireland's prisons spoke with 1,600 fellow prisoners in emotional distress.

Speaking at a 20th anniversary celebration event at Magilligan Prison, Naomi Long said: "The work by Listeners and Samaritans volunteers across the prison system over the last two decades has been life-saving. By treating prisoners with dignity and respect, and helping to improve their mental health and emotional well-being, we now have a much safer custody environment.

"I want to congratulate the Samaritans for 20 years of service to our prisons. It is poignant that we mark this special anniversary during Prisons Week in which we reflect on all those affected by prisons; prisoners and their families, victims of crime and those working in the criminal justice system."

Mark Kennedy Assistant Director of Samaritans said: "Research shows that prisoners are more vulnerable to self-harm and are 8-10 times more likely to die by suicide than the rest of the population, which is why the unique service is invaluable to both prisons and inmates.

"We believe that by giving prisoners a chance to talk through their feelings and by supporting and training some prisoners to become Listeners, it can make a real difference to the choices they make both in prison and upon release."

Speaking about his time as a Listener, a prisoner at Magilligan, said: "Being in prison can be very frightening, particularly if you feel like nobody cares. I wanted to try and help in some small way. When someone writes to say that they wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for my help then you know you've achieved that, but I've got several years of my sentence left and I hope I can continue to be a Listener for all that time. I know that it will help me a better person when I am released as well."

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

10 October 2022
Justice Minister Highlights Importance Of Prisons Week
Justice Minister Naomi Long has highlighted the importance of Prisons Week as a time to reflect on the needs of all those affected by prisons, prisoners and their families, victims of crime and their communities, and all those working in criminal justice system.
13 May 2008
HSE Defends Allegations On Childcare Under funding
The Health Service Executive has today defended itself amid accusations its funding and staffing for childcare services is insufficient. Current affairs television programme, Prime Time Investigates, highlighted the impact of the HSE's recruitment embargo and employment controls on services available for children and young people at risk of abuse.
23 April 2010
North's Justice Minister Quits Council
Prisons rather than matters of regional rates and community services will now fill the agenda for a long-serving Co Antrim councillor. The newly installed Stormont Justice Minister, Alliance leader David Ford has confirmed that is to resign his Council seat to devote his energies to his new role.
26 November 2015
Mortgage Loan Scheme Needs To Be 'Revamped' - FF
A loan scheme designed for first time buyers needs to be "revamped", Fianna Fáil spokesperson on finance Michael McGrath has said. Deputy McGrath made the call after figures revealed that not a single loan has been issued under the scheme so far in 2015.
31 January 2013
Shatter Defends Garda Station Closures
Garda stations do not act as a deterrent to burglaries. minister for Justice Alan Shatter has said. He made the comment while defending the closure of garda stations, adding that the 100 stations that are due to close this year will be shut down.