Nacro responds to today’s (17.07.2025) Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Leeds, which highlights that self-inflicted deaths continue to be of concern at HMP Leeds.
Campbell Robb, Chief Executive at Nacro, said:
“These findings are deeply troubling. The continued high number of self-inflicted deaths is a stark reminder of a system under immense strain and points to a crucial need for more mental health support.
“Cramped and overcrowded cells are not acceptable places to house anyone, but can be particularly harmful for people with acute mental health needs. As the IMB at HMP Leeds rightly points out, prison is not — and should never be mistaken for — a safe alternative to proper mental health care.
“The staff at HMP Leeds are clearly doing what they can, and initiatives like the ‘check on a mate’ scheme are welcome. But without urgent investment in both infrastructure and staffing, these efforts will always be undermined.”
Notes to editors
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We help 28,000 people across our services each year and run the CAS-2 service for the Government housing people coming out of prison on bail or licence.
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