Samaritans' sadness over Shrewsbury prison closure
Samaritans working at Shrewsbury's axed Dana prison have spoken of their sadness at the end of the organisation's 20 years of working with its inmates.
The jail in Castlefields, which holds 300 prisoners, is to shut in April putting 207 jobs at risk. Shrewsbury Samaritans has eight volunteers who visit once a week to listen to and support vulnerable inmates.
These volunteers are also involved in the Listener scheme, under which prisoners are trained and supported by the Samaritans to use a version of the charity's helpline service.
These prisoners, known as Listeners, then support fellow prisoners who are self-harming, or feeling distressed or suicidal.
The Samaritans' long-running relationship with staff and inmates at Shrewsbury prison will come to an end in April, when the Ministry of Justice transfers prisoners to other sites across the country.
Volunteers today spoke of their sadness at the prison's closure.
A Samaritans spokesman said: "Since those early days Samaritans have attended weekly support meetings with the Listeners, conducted training sessions when required and attended many meetings with the governor and other staff.
"Shrewsbury Samaritans will miss the great relationship with the prison built up over the years and remain available to listen, especially to staff for whom closure is a big blow."
The Listener scheme started in HMP Swansea in 1991 after a 15-year-old boy, who was being held on remand there, committed suicide. He was, at the time, the youngest person ever to take their life in custody.
The Samaritans spokesman added: "Prison can be a lonely place, especially if it is your first time in jail.
"The Listeners are there to offer face-to-face help for anyone that wants to talk. For those who become Listeners it helps boost their self-esteem."
Samaritans can be contacted on (01743) 369696 or 0845 790 90 90.
By Catherine Ferris
