Search Results

1-20 of 22 results for subject:Self-harm

Show detailed: On Off

Results: 10 20 50 100

Sort by: Newest first Oldest first

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to limit (a) suicide and (b) deliberate self-harm in young people; what steps his Department is taking to raise public awareness of (a) suicide and (b) deliberate self-harm in young people. - Inc ref...

Asked by

Charles Hendry (Conservative)

Answering body

Department for Education and Skills

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

26 November 2003

For answer on

8 December 2003

Answered on

8 December 2003

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what steps his Department is taking to limit (a) suicide and (b) deliberate self-harm in young people; [140654] (2) what steps his Department is taking to raise public awareness of (a) suicide and (b) deliberate self-harm in young people. [140655] Margaret Hodge: The Department for Education and Skills contributes in a number of ways to reducing suicide and deliberate self-harm among young people. This involves minimising so far as possible the risk factors that may lead to suicide or self-harm. We are doing this by ensuring that all children and young people have the support and services they need, and have a structured programme of learning opportunities through which they can develop self-awareness and confidence needed for life. We also seek to raise awareness of these issues. In June 2001 the Department published guidance "Promoting Children's Mental Health within Early Years and School Settings". The guidance and the summary provide useful tools for local education authorities, schools and others who are striving to ensure that the mental health needs of children are met. The guidance includes specific advice on useful approaches to addressing the needs of children and young people who show deliberate self harm or suicidal behaviour. We also encouraged schools to celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Across England, children with behavioural problems, learning difficulties and those exhibiting anti-social behaviour are receiving the greatest proportion of investment from the Children's Fund. This investment underpins the priority being given to mental health and well-being and to the gains to be made in improving self- esteem and consequentially performance at school. 21 per cent. of Children's Fund services which provided information during April-June 2003 explicitly target children with mental health problems. The Government's proposals in the Children Bill and the other non-legislative measures in the Green Paper "Every Child Matters" will help us build on the support for young people we have already put in place through Sure Start, full service extended schools, CAMHS, the Connexions Service and the PSHE curriculum and anti- bullying measures in schools. Children's Trusts will provide the means to deliver of integrated, multi-agency services to all children and young people in an area. This will enable the provision of high-quality preventive measures and early interventions tailored to help individual children who may already be considering suicide or engaging in self-harm.

Date

8 December 2003

Reference

415 c299-300W; 140654;140655

House

House of Commons

Dept for Education and Skills

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what guidance is issued through the Connexions service to (a) parents, (b) young people, (c) schools and (d) organisations working with young people on (i) suicide and (ii) deliberate self-harm in young people.

Asked by

Charles Hendry (Conservative)

Answering body

Department for Education and Skills

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

8 December 2003

Reference

140656; 415 c300W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to reduce instances of suicide and deliberate self-harm in young people; and if he will make a statement; what steps his Department is taking to raise public awareness of suicide and deliberate self-harm in young people;...

Asked by

Charles Hendry (Conservative)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

26 November 2003

For answer on

1 December 2003

Answered on

1 December 2003

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to reduce instances of suicide and deliberate self-harm in young people; and if he will make a statement; [140637] (2) what steps his Department is taking to raise public awareness of suicide and deliberate self-harm in young people; [140638] (3) what guidance his Department issues to (a) parents, (b) young people and (c) organisations working with young people on (i) suicide and (ii) deliberate self-harm in young people. [140659] Ms Rosie Winterton: The National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England recognises that people who self- harm are at a greater risk of taking their own life; and sets out specific action to reduce the number of suicides in the year following deliberate self harm: guidance on the management of deliberate self-harm in accident and emergency departments is due for publication by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in 2004; the establishment of a national collaborative for the monitoring of deliberate self-harm through which it will be possible to estimate the number of suicides in the year following deliberate self-harm; the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE) will support local services in establishing procedures and services for people presenting at accident and emergency departments with deliberate self-harm; a risk assessment-training package will be made available by NIMHE to frontline clinical staff, the prison service, primary care, substance misuse services and college counselling services. This package is currently being piloted. In addition, NIMHE published an audit toolkit in October 2003 to help services measure the extent to which they are addressing the recommendations outlined in the National Confidential Inquiry Report into suicide and homicide by people with a mental illness--Safer Services; two of which relate specifically to self-harm. NIMHE continues to raise awareness about mental health issues, including suicide and self-harm through its programme of work to implement the suicide prevention strategy. In addition, the mind out for mental health campaign which combats stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health specifically targets young people in the provision of accurate information on mental health issues. In February 2003 the campaign launched Read the Signs--educating young people aged 14-21 about the signs of mental health problems so that they are better informed and can look out for themselves and their friends. This campaign includes an interactive website which provides information on suicide and deliberate self- harm and signposts individuals to further information or support and advice. The Department and NIMHE also continue to work with and support other organisations to promote information and advice on the incidence of suicide and self-harm among young people. The suicide prevention strategy also specifically identified young men as being at particular risk of suicide. NIMHE is establishing a small number of sites in England which will develop a package of mental health promotion measures to successfully engage with young men. We hope to announce the location of the successful pilot sites early in the New Year. In addition, the "Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)" campaign and helpline continues to provide a safety net for young men by breaking down the barriers and reducing the stigma attached to depression and mental illness. CALM is currently operational in four areas: Manchester, Merseyside, Cumbria and Bedfordshire.

Date

1 December 2003

Reference

415 c11-2W; 140637;140638;140659

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 16th September 2003, 410 c703W on Army personnel (self-harm), if he will place the information in the Library as soon as it becomes available; pursuant to his Answer of 16th September 2003, 410 c703W on self harm,...

Asked by

Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

16 October 2003

Reference

411 c317-8W;411 c321-2W; 131935;132488

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 9th September 2003 at 410 c304-5W, if he will make it his policy to collate data centrally concerning incidents of self harm in army barracks; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by

Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

16 September 2003

Reference

130223; 410 c703-4W;410 c701-2W

House

House of Commons

Northern Ireland Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many self-inflicted (a) injuries and (b) deaths there have been in Northern Ireland prisons in each of the past five years; and what action the Government is taking to reduce these figures. - Inc tables.

Asked by

Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party)

Answering body

Northern Ireland Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

9 September 2003

For answer on

16 September 2003

Answered on

16 September 2003

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many self-inflicted (a) injuries and (b) deaths there have been in Northern Ireland prisons in each of the past five years; and what action the Government is taking to reduce these figures. [129829] Jane Kennedy: The information is as follows: (a) Self-inflicted injuries _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number of self-inflicted injuries 1998-99 89 1999-2000 70 2000-01 90 2001-02 98 2002-03 146 2003 to date 53 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. (b) Self-inflicted deaths _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number of self-inflicted deaths 1998-99 1 1999-2000 3 2000-01 3 2001-02 Nil 2002-03 1-- 2003 to date 2-- _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1 Two deaths in custody awaiting Coroner's inquest. 2 One death in custody awaiting Coroner's inquest. Action Government taking to reduce these figures A review of policy and practices for dealing with prisoners at risk has recently been completed by the Northern Ireland Prison Service. This takes a holistic approach to providing the necessary support and care to prevent the individual harming him or herself. It includes an initial assessment on reception to prison, Samaritan services, listener schemes, an anti-bullying policy and improved structures, systems and procedures. This will include a multi-disciplinary case conference being held, leading to the development of a care plan for those at risk. This policy is due to be implemented by December 2003.

Date

16 September 2003

Reference

129829; 410 c728W;410 c726W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) suicides and (b) attempted suicides there were in military prisons in each year since 1990 by (i) members of the armed forces and (ii) members of the armed forces in custody awaiting trial; and how many serious self mutilations...

Asked by

Kevin McNamara (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

17 June 2003

For answer on

1 September 2003

Answered on

1 September 2003

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) suicides and (b) attempted suicides there were in military prisons in each year since 1990 by (i) members of the armed forces and (ii) members of the armed forces in custody awaiting trial; and how many serious self mutilations and injuries there were amongst members of the armed forces awaiting custodial sentences over the same period. [120512] Mr. Caplin :[holding answer 25 June 2003]: Armed Forces personnel who are found guilty of criminal charges requiring imprisonment are detained within Her Majesty's Prisons. There are no separate "military prisons". However, detention facilities are available at guardrooms in units and establishments in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world. When it is necessary to hold an individual in custody pending their trial or sentencing, they are usually held at a local detention facility. An average of around 1,000 personnel per year have been held at the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) in Colchester. The following table gives the number of attempted suicides, suicides, and incidents of self harm of members of the armed forces either in custody or awaiting a custodial sentence at the MCTC in Colchester. Information on members of the Armed Forces held in custody elsewhere is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Members of the armed forces in custody Members of the armed forces awaiting custodial sentence Year Attempted Suicide Suicide Attempted Suicide Suicide Self Harm 2003 0 0 0 0 0 2002 2 0 0 0 0 2001 1 0 0 0 1 2000 0 0 0 1 0 1999 2 0 0 0 0 1998 0 0 0 1 0 1997 0 0 0 0 0 1996 1 0 0 0 0 1995 0 0 0 0 0 1994 0 0 0 0 0 1993 0 0 0 0 0 1992 0 0 0 0 0 1991 0 0 0 0 0 1990 0 0 0 0 0 Total 6 0 0 2 1 _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Date

1 September 2003

Reference

120512; 409 c919-21W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many children have (a) self harmed and (b) committed suicide whilst taking prescribed paroxetine in each year since 1997.

Asked by

Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

3 July 2003

Reference

122390; 408 c494W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many instances of (a) suicide, (b) self-harm and (c) violence against staff or inmates have occurred at HMP Styal in each month since January. - Inc tables.

Asked by

Annette Brooke (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

16 June 2003

For answer on

24 June 2003

Answered on

24 June 2003

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances of (a) suicide, (b) self-harm and (c) violence against staff or inmates have occurred at HMP Styal in each month since January. [120166] Paul Goggins: The following tables give the information requested. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Month (2003) Number of self- inflicted deaths Number of instances of self-harm January 1 25 February 0 42 March 0 39 April 1 30 May 0 Not available June1 1 Not available Total 3 136 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1 up to 17 June 2003 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Month (2003) Number of assaults against staff Number of assaults against prisoners January 4 1 February 3 0 March 5 0 April 4 4 May 4 0 June1 Not available Not available Total 20 5 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1 up to 17 June 2003 Emerging findings from a group examining recent deaths in custody at Styal have helped to bring about a number of immediate changes. These include the maximisation of prisoners' access to work, education and time out of cell, as well as to various peer support schemes and mental health professionals; improvements to Styal's induction programme; and an improved package of training and support for staff in first-aid and management of suicidal women. In the longer term, 200,000 of funding has been secured to dedicate part of Styal's Waite wing to a proposed high-risk activity team, which will include staff specially trained in risk identification and management. NHS funding has been secured to provide a methadone maintenance programme for women dependent on opiates (subject to staff recruitment), a particular necessity in the female estate where a high percentage of receptions are poly-drug users.

Date

24 June 2003

Reference

120166; 407 c745-6W;407 c749-50W

House

House of Commons

Andrews, Baroness

Lords statement on whether there is new advice on the treatment of depressive illness in children and adolescents under 18 years. [HL 3296].

Asked by

Lord Tomlinson (Labour)

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

10 June 2003

Reference

HL 3296; 649 c27-8WA

House

House of Lords

Written Statement on new advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) against the use of Seroxat in children under the age of 18 for the treatment of depressive illness

Written Statement on new advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) against the use of Seroxat in children under the age of 18 for the treatment of depressive illness. - Inc figs.

Member

Hazel Blears (Labour)

Department

Department of Health

Type

Written statements

Date

10 June 2003

Reference

406 c42-3WS

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) suicides and (b) incidents of self harm there were among 15 to 17 year old girls in prison in each year since 1997. - Including table.

Asked by

Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

7 May 2003

For answer on

22 May 2003

Answered on

22 May 2003

Mr. Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) suicides and (b) incidents of self harm there were among 15 to 17-year- old girls in prison in each year since 1997. [112519] Paul Goggins: There have been no self-inflicted deaths in prison of female juveniles in the years since 1997. The following table covers the number of recorded incidents of self-harm by female juveniles between 1998 and 2002. Relevant data on self-harm before 1998 are not available. Self-harm among female juveniles: 1998-20021 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number of incidents 1998 8 1999 20 2000 44 2001 122 2002 107 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1 Up to and including December 2002. The Prison Service has made improvements in the recording of self-harm incidents, including the implementation of a new monitoring system from December 2002. The Prison Service has a duty of care to all prisoners in its custody and, recognising that self-harm is a particular problem among young female prisoners, is currently developing several interventions that may help them reduce and manage self-harm in prison. One such example is at Holloway prison where all prisoners, including juveniles, who have been identified as at risk of suicide or self-harm are offered individual crisis counselling.

Date

22 May 2003

Reference

112519; 405 c988W;405 c987-8W

House

House of Commons

Northern Ireland Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many self-harm incidents were recorded in Northern Ireland Prison Service accommodation in each establishment in each of the last five years. - Includes table.

Asked by

Kevin McNamara (Labour)

Answering body

Northern Ireland Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

23 April 2003

For answer on

19 May 2003

Answered on

19 May 2003

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many self-harm incidents were recorded in Northern Ireland Prison Service accommodation in each establishment in each of the last five years. [110452] Jane Kennedy: The information requested is set out in the following tables. Hydebank Wood _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number of self-inflicted injuries 1998-99 23 1999-2000 7 2000-01 8 2001-02 26 2002-03 69 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Maghaberry _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number of self-inflicted injuries 1998-99 66 1999-2000 55 2000-01 60 2001-02 62 2002-03 72 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Magilligan _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number of self-inflicted injuries 1998-99 8 1999-2000 22 2000-01 10 2001-02 5 2002-03 n/a _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Date

19 May 2003

Reference

110452; 405 c597-8W;405 c595-6W

House

House of Commons

Northern Ireland Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many self-inflicted deaths in Northern Ireland Prison Service accommodation there were in each establishment in each of the last 10 years. - Includes table.

Asked by

Kevin McNamara (Labour)

Answering body

Northern Ireland Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

23 April 2003

For answer on

8 May 2003

Answered on

8 May 2003

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many self-inflicted deaths in Northern Ireland Prison Service accommodation there were in each establishment in each of the last 10 years. [110451] Jane Kennedy: The information requested is as follows: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Year Maghaberry Magilligan Hydebank Wood Maze Belfast Total 1993 -- -- -- -- -- Nil 1994 1 -- -- -- 2 3 1995 1 -- -- -- 1 2 1996 3 -- -- -- -- 3 1997 1 -- -- -- -- 1 1998 1 -- -- -- -- 1 1999 1 1 1 -- -- 3 2000 -- 1 2 -- -- 3 2001 -- -- -- -- -- Nil _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Note: 2002-03: Three deaths in custody awaiting Coroner's inquest

Date

8 May 2003

Reference

110451; 404 c900W;404 c896W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many detainees have (a) committed suicide and (b) been self-injured in each immigration removal centre in the UK in each of the last five years. - Including figure.

Asked by

Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

1 May 2003

Reference

109509; 404 c526W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment he has made of the prevalence of self-injury in prison. - Inc figure.

Asked by

Helen Clark (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

28 March 2003

Reference

104216; 402 c456W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of (a) the relationship between prisoner numbers and self-inflicted deaths in prison and (b) measures to prevent suicides and self-harm by offenders under the supervision of the Probation Service with particular reference those living in...

Asked by

Helen Clark (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

18 March 2003

For answer on

25 March 2003

Answered on

25 March 2003

Mrs. Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of (a) the relationship between prisoner numbers and self- inflicted deaths in prison and (b) measures to prevent suicides and self-harm by offenders under the supervision of the Probation Service with particular reference to those living in probation hostels. [104217] Hilary Benn: There are many reasons why a prisoner may self-harm or attempt suicide; the general prison population contains a large number of prisoners with a combination of psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug dependency, family background and relationship problems, histories of self-harm and previous abuse, all of which raise their risk of suicide and self-harm. It is likely that the number of self-inflicted deaths is rising because of a combination of the effects of increased prisoner throughout and an increasingly risk-laden population. The current operating environment is very challenging because of more prisoners being remanded to prison and greater movement of prisoners. This puts a strain on resources and makes it harder to prevent suicides. Good care and support from staff saves many lives but such instances go largely unreported. The Prison Service's approach, in close partnership with other agencies such as the Youth Justice Board, and outside organisations such as Samaritans, is to better identify and support those who seem at greatest risk, with a stress on relationships, care and the physical environment. The Prison Service's suicide prevention and self-harm reduction programme includes a series of projects to improve pre-reception, reception and induction arrangements. It also includes the exchange of information; the care of prisoners; detoxification; prisoners supporting each other, and learning from investigations into deaths in custody. With regard to approved probation and bail hostels, the National Probation Service last year brought in strengthened reporting requirements on deaths of residents. They are also currently developing a national suicide and self-harm awareness and prevention strategy for staff in hostels, which will strengthen existing local procedures.

Date

25 March 2003

Reference

104217; 402 c155W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many cases of (a) suicide and (b) other self-harm there were in women's prisons in each of the last 24 months (i) in total and (ii) in each institution; and if he will make a statement. - Including tables....

Asked by

Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

3 March 2003

For answer on

7 March 2003

Answered on

7 March 2003

Mr. Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of (a) suicide and (b) other self-harm there were in women's prisons in each of the last 24 months (i) in total and (ii) in each institution; and if he will make a statement. [101378] Hilary Benn: [holding answer 6 March 2003]: The information requested is in the following tables. Since 1 January 2001, there have been 20 self-inflicted deaths of female prisoners (all those deaths where it appears the person may have acted specifically to take her own life). The available data on ``self-harm'' incidents includes both attempted suicides and self-harm (without suicidal intent) as it is difficult to measure suicidal intent. Self-inflicted deaths in female establishments: January 2001 to February 2003. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 2001 2002 2003 April Aug Nov Jan Apr Aug Sep Oct Nov Jan Feb Total Brockhill 1 1 2 Bullwood 1 1 2 Hall Durham 1 1 1 3 Eastwood 1 1 1 3 Park Highpoint 1 1 (Women) Holloway 1 1 2 New Hall 2 1 3 Styal 1 1 1 1 4 Total 3 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 3 3 20 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Self-harm in female establishments: January 2001 to December 2002. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 2001 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Askham 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Grange Brockhill 3 6 6 11 6 10 6 23 12 11 20 19 Bullwood Hall 1 1 2 1 4 Cookham Wood 1 3 3 3 4 5 2 1 4 Drake Hall Downview Durham Eastwood 7 15 10 36 12 28 25 8 8 7 43 14 Park Foston Hall 2 1 Highpoint 12 10 6 18 38 25 23 11 15 20 17 21 (Women) Holloway 24 18 10 20 53 36 17 34 52 70 54 155 Low Newton 1 7 11 14 8 9 11 10 11 12 14 New Hall 23 22 27 27 18 41 32 40 25 20 32 21 Send 1 1 4 1 1 4 2 1 2 Styal 1 1 6 2 16 12 40 17 28 13 5 14 Buckley Hall Winchester Total 75 74 73 134 162 161 156 156 155 156 185 264 Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Askham Grange 1 0 1 Brockhill 15 17 41 46 39 23 18 24 9 18 37 88 420 Bullwood Hall 1 1 0 11 Cookham Wood 7 14 4 3 18 10 15 1 5 6 12 4 121 Drake Hall 1 1 1 8 3 5 5 2 4 26 Downview 18 18 Durham 10 10 Eastwood Park 24 17 27 21 29 25 19 44 16 33 70 14 538 Foston Hall 11 13 16 6 12 16 15 6 9 2 2 15 111 Highpoint 19 7 10 13 18 8 16 18 26 13 14 364 (Women) Holloway 111 43 91 45 67 23 47 72 82 70 66 47 1,260 Low Newton 13 11 13 14 34 36 36 33 33 27 31 6 389 New Hall 41 20 20 21 32 19 39 25 26 22 41 42 634 Send 5 2 2 5 2 3 2 1 3 8 42 Styal 9 6 3 2 2 14 37 18 5 5 2 26 258 Buckley Hall 23 31 25 24 35 35 138 Winchester 3 3 Total 255 151 227 176 254 168 265 278 235 239 314 334 4,344 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. The prison population, including the female estate, contains a large number of prisoners with a combination of psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug dependency, family background and relationship problems, histories of self-harm and previous abuse, all of which raise their risk of suicide and self-harm. Good care and support from staff saves many lives but such instances go largely unreported. The Prison Service's approach, in close partnership with other agencies such as the Youth Justice Board, and outside organisations such as Samaritans, is to better identify and support those who seem at greatest risk, with an approach that focuses on staff/prisoner relationships and the physical environment. The Prison Service has a duty of care to all prisoners in its custody, and recognises that self-harm is a particular problem amongst women offenders. The Prison Service is currently developing several interventions that may help female prisoners reduce and manage self-harm in prison. One such example is at Holloway prison, where all prisoners who have been identified as at risk of suicide/self-harm are offered individual crisis counselling. About 40 per cent. of prisoners take up the offer, while others may be referred to alternative sources of help within the prison. Staff report that following counselling women have shown increases in self-esteem, decreases in depression and are less likely to see suicide or self-harm as the solution to their problems. The Prison Service's suicide prevention and self-harm reduction programme (which applies to all prisoners, regardless of gender and age) includes a series of projects to improve pre-reception, reception and induction arrangements; the exchange of information; the care of prisoners; detoxification; prisoners supporting each other, and learning from investigations into deaths in custody.

Date

7 March 2003

Reference

101378; 400 c1314-7W;400 c1302-5W

House

House of Commons

Filkin, Lord

Whether sensitive and caring chaplaincy arrangements for members of all faiths are important in preventing violence, self-harm and suicide in all immigration, detention and removal centres; and what plans they have in mind. [HL 1466].

Asked by

Lord Hylton (Crossbench)

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

11 February 2003

Reference

HL 1466; 644 c105WA

House

House of Lords

Home Office

Statement on what measures are being taken by his Department to ensure a decrease in the numbers of suicides by inmates of prisons in England and Wales; how many suicides by inmates of prisons in England and Wales there were for the period January 1992 to December 2002 broken down...

Asked by

Annette Brooke (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

23 January 2003

Reference

398 c482-6W;398 c480-4W; 90492;90491

House

House of Commons

Librarians' tools

Type

House

Session

Month

Department

Member

Primary member

Answering member

Legislative stage

Legislation

Subject

Publisher