Thousands of prison staff have been referred for mental health-related assessments in the past year-and-a-half – almost one in eight (12%) of the total number in the role. (https://bylinetimes.com/), 2019)

 

Under Freedom of Information, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has revealed that, since October 2017 to present, mental health-related referrals have been made for 2,760 prison staff, out of a total 22,722 who are currently in post, according to the latest available statistics.

 

The figures are revealed at a time when continued staff shortages and rising violence, self-harm and drug use in our prisons demand a frank and urgent assessment of the effects of such an environment on the mental health of prisoners, as well as those working inside jails – an issue not often put under the spotlight.

 

“Prison staff are working in a challenging environment and often bearing witness to traumatising events and experiences,” he said. “It is vital that prison services support the mental health of the people who work in them as well as of prisoners in order to create a safe and therapeutic environment for all.” Andy Bell (chief executive at the Centre for Mental Health)