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Prisons: Self-harm

Asked by Helen MorganLiberal DemocratMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 22 May 2026UIN 1764

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to reduce self-harm in prison.

Answered by Jake Richards

Individualised support through a case management process is provided for prisoners identified as being at risk of self-harm. This approach places a strong emphasis on identifying an individual’s risks, triggers and protective factors and establishing meaningful support plans to deliver actions aimed at mitigating areas of risk identified.

In addition, HMPPS works with the Samaritans to deliver the Listeners scheme, through which selected prisoners are trained to provide emotional support to their fellow prisoners who may be at risk of self-harm.

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