Maghaberry Prison teamed up with two voluntary groups from Belfast today to highlight the devastation caused by suicide and self harm.

Staff and prisoners took part in a series of sponsored events to raise money to help families traumatised by the loss of a loved one.

All money raised will be distributed to the Falls-based Suicide Awareness Support Group, the Greater Shankill Bereaved Families Support Group and the Samaritans.

Principal Officer Sam McKay, who runs the Maghaberry Listener Scheme in conjunction with the Samaritans, said the issue had struck a chord with both staff and inmates.

He said: “The work that these groups do to help grieving families is invaluable and we hope that today’s event will help raise awareness of the services available in the community.

Activities included a spinathon, a sponsored run, an indoor cricket competition and a number of football competitions.

At the same time, the two community groups held a sponsored walk from the Falls Road to Custom House Square to highlight the message that effective prevention strategies can help reduce suicide levels.

Notes to Editors

• The Listener Scheme in Maghaberry was launched in December 2006 to provide immediate emotional support to prisoners at risk who may experience suicidal feelings or wish to self harm.

• Long term prisoners have been trained by Samaritan volunteers as Listeners to enable those prisoners at risk within the prison to receive on the spot emotional support.

• The Northern Ireland Prison Service published its revised Self Harm and Suicide Prevention Policy in September 2006 and is published on the Prison Service website.

• The Suicide Awareness and Support Group (West Belfast) was established by bereaved family members in response to increasing numbers of suicidal deaths.

• The Greater Shankill Bereaved Families Support Group was set up in November 2005 to help families bereaved through suicide. .

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