Press Release

Embargoed 12/12/02 00:01

MentalHealth Charity hits out at prison suicide policy

Depression Alliance, the leading UKcharity for people affected by depression, hit out today (11.12.02) at prisonservice plans to tackle the increasing problem of suicide in UK jails with asensationalist poster campaign.

The Charity expressed concern that peoplewithin the prison service do not appear to be taking suicide attemptsseriously, dismissing them as cries for help rather than seeing them as warningsof people in extreme distress. JimThomson, Director of Depression Alliance explained:

One cannot help but think that what weare seeing is a frivolous response to a serious problem. Around 70% of peoplewho take their own lives have experienced some form of depression and those whoattempt to kill themselves are often severely ill. There is a significant risk of their killing themselves at alater date if proper treatment and support is not provided.

Running a poster campaign designed toshock people out of killing themselves is misguided at best. What is needed is appropriate care in anappropriate setting for these vulnerable people.

Depression Alliance believes that thePrison Service should act to implement the full terms of the Governments NationalSuicide Prevention Strategy for England rather than seeking cheap andprobably ineffectual measures that neither remove the desire for, or means ofsuicide.

Ends

Notes to Editors

q Around 70% of people who kill themselves haveexperienced some form of depression

q 65% of those people in contact with the authorities whokill themselves have a history of self-harm and attempted suicide.

q The Governments suicide reduction strategy sets out 14measures designed to improve the mental healthcare of vulnerable prisoners,none of which includes showing prisoners how to take their lives in aneffective manner.

q DepressionAlliance is the leading UK charity for people with depression. We work torelieve and to prevent this treatable condition by providing information,support and understanding to those who are affected by it. We also campaign toraise awareness amongst the general public about the realities of depression.

For further information:

q       For further information, spokespeople and casestudies please call the Depression Alliance press office on 020 7633 0557(extension 201), out of hours 07956 066 124 (mobile) or e-mail ameliam@depressionalliance.org