HMP Magilligan ‘listeners’ praised

The Minister, Alliance Party MLA David Ford, was in HMP Magilligan where he met with volunteers operating the Samaritans led ‘Listener Scheme’ as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations.

Operating in 157 prisons across the UK and in Ireland, selected prisoners are trained and mentored by Samaritans to listen in complete confidence to their fellow prisoners who may be experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those feeling suicidal.

David Ford said: “Over the last decade the Listener Scheme has delivered a very important service to prisoners seeking guidance and support. I have no doubt the scheme has influenced and indeed saved lives over that period.

“Prisoners can become vulnerable at any time during their sentence. The problems that many encounter in society are magnified in a prison setting and the support offered by the Listeners Scheme is invaluable to the Prison Service.

“It is a lifeline to many vulnerable prisoners at periods when they hit a low-ebb and allows them to confide in trained fellow prisoners, whom they trust, to discuss their feelings and seek reassurance about their situation.”

Currently operating in both Magilligan and Maghaberry prisons, the Minister said that he hoped that new plans aimed at encouraging the take-up of the scheme amongst prisoners at Hydebank Wood would see the scheme extended to that establishment.

The Minister said: “Being engaged as a volunteer in the Listener Scheme helps boost the prisoner’s confidence, revealing their strengths and abilities and gives them a new sense of self-worth. The skills they learn helps prepare offenders for reintegration into society.”

Orla McCaffrey, Samaritans Prison Support Officer for Ireland and a Samaritans volunteer has said: “We are very pleased that the Minister of Justice David Ford is joining us to mark 10 years since the start of the Listener Scheme in Northern Ireland.

“Those in prison are at greater risk of suicide than the general population, and Listeners are there to support, without judgement, anyone who is struggling to cope or needs someone to talk to. Without the support of both the Northern Ireland Prison Service, and the management and staff of the prisons, we would not be able to offer this support to those who need it and to make a difference to people’s lives.”