Working with suicide risk in offenders: a review of training at HMP Grendon

Abstract

Purpose Rates of suicide in custodial settings continued to rise in the year 2013/2014. Consequently, the Division of Forensic Psychology funded training on “working with risk of suicide” which was delivered by Dr Slade at HMP Grendon. Due to the increasing prevalence of suicide in custodial settings, a review of this training was considered important to enhance professionals’ awareness of self-harm and suicide. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The review begins with an introduction to the concepts of self-harm and suicide, and an introduction to where the training was held; HMP Grendon, a therapeutic community prison. The four key topics delivered by Dr Slade are then explored with regards to their aims and content. These topics include; the link between self-harm and suicide, why offenders harm themselves, assessment of suicide and finally, care planning. Residents of HMP Grendon also discussed their views of self-harm and suicide during the training day, these are thus explored within this review. Strength and weaknesses of the training were also explored, in addition to future practice considerations. Findings This review highlights the comprehensiveness of the training and its ability to engage the audience through discussions and activities. The collaboration between professionals and HMP Grendon residents to understand self-harm and suicide was also particularly noted. Originality/value This paper offers insight into the staff-resident collaboration at HMP Grendon and how training on self-harm and suicide can be delivered.