Citation

Davies B. Howard J. Crim. Just. 1994; 33(2): 125-135.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Howard League for Penal Reform, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1468-2311.1994.tb00800.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Swansea Listener Scheme is based on the belief that Samaritan principles of sympathetic listening can be applied formally within a prison setting. Samaritans are ordinary people trained to befriend others in confidence, without administering advice or judgment. Ordinary prisoners can also befriend, within a confidential setting, those who feel vulnerable or suicidal. Trained and supported by the Samaritans, the services of a volunteer Listener can mean the deference between coping with prison, or simply giving up. Since its inception at Swansea Prison in August 1991, the incidence of recorded self‐harm has been halved. This study, based on extended interviews with Listeners and staff, suggests that the implications of the scheme go well beyond the prevention of suicide, and have a positive effect on relationships between stag, prisoners and caring agencies within the community. © 1994 Howard League and BPL

Language: en