Developing a suicide prevention programme to address the increase in prison suicides in Kent

This document presents the final report of a student internship project, focusing on the development of a suicide prevention programme in Kent. Following an increase in prison suicides between 2013 and 2014, Kent & Medway Suicide Prevention Steering Group were approached by the commissioning manager for health and justice to conduct research into this area. Dr Ian Marsh from Canterbury Christ Church University put forward the CCCU student internship as a means of undertaking this research.<br /><br />The Research and Knowledge Exchange internships at Canterbury Christ Church University allow students to work with academic staff on a specific research project. Academics apply for a research intern to work with them on research in areas which are likely to result in tangible outputs. The author of this report is a final year BSc Sociology student at Canterbury Christ Church University who worked as an intern on this project for a period of 10 weeks from May to July. <br /><br />The project involved an extensive literature review, along with consultation with various agencies and individuals, in order to gain a deeper insight into the emerging issues. Consultations were with the following stakeholders:<br /><br />• Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Steering Group <br />• Mental health in-reach team at HMP Elmley<br />• The Samaritans Listener Scheme Co-ordinator <br />• The Howard League Policy Officer <br />• The Prisons and Probation Assistant Ombudsman<br />• Safer Custody team for Kent<br /><br />This report provides a brief overview of suicides, prison suicides, and prevention - nationally and in Kent. Key themes from the literature are outlined and supported with insight from the consultations where appropriate. Recommendations are put forward where appropriate in regard to potential steps for prison suicide prevention in Kent. <br /><br />Project Aims <br /><br />The main aims of this project were to: <br />• Review existing literature and data around prison suicides and prevention.<br />• Meet with key stakeholders who could give a deeper insight into these issues.<br />• Present findings to the Kent & Medway suicide prevention steering group.<br />• Use the final report to inform relevant agencies and prison staff.