News that “Prison deaths hit highest 12-month total this century” (30 October) should be a wake-up call. This year there have been 411 deaths in custody– almost a quarter self-inflicted, up 9% on the previous year. This reflects a system failing to keep people safe and should be a concern for everyone in our communities.
If we are serious about reducing deaths in prison, we must confront the conditions driving this crisis. Overcrowding fuels violence and distress. Mental health support remains wholly inadequate, despite high levels of need. And too many people are left without access to purposeful activity or education, often locked in their cells for up to 22 hours a day.
Prisons must be places where individuals are supported to rebuild their lives and prepare for life on the outside, not environments which destroy wellbeing and further traumatise vulnerable people. We must end the inhumane practice of only letting people out their cells for a mere few hours a day and increase focus and investment in meaningful support, training and work opportunities in prison. This will not only save lives but better prepare those in custody when they are released into our communities.