Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has for training prison officers to receive improved training on mental health conditions.

The Government is committed to ensuring that prison officers receive the appropriate training to support prisoners with mental health needs. The Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) course, delivered to new Prison Officers, includes modules on mental health and personality disorders which emphasise the importance of mental health awareness.

The revised “Introduction to Suicide and Self-Harm (SASH) Prevention” training includes a refreshed mental health awareness module. This training is being delivered to all new and existing Prison Officers and non-HMPPS staff who come into contact with prisoners.

A Suicide Prevention Learning Tool has also been developed in partnership with Samaritans to support our suicide prevention and self-harm work. This tool communicates important messages to identify and support prisoners at risk.