Failures to meet the basic needs of prisoners is fuelling an epidemic of self-harm, according to new research by the Samaritans.

The study identified five overall causes of self-harm amongst prisoners:

• Failures to provide basics such as food, bedding or healthcare
• Lack of purposeful activity and time out of cell 
• Bad interactions with staff, especially when they are dismissive or punitive
• A feeling of not being listened to or being unable to express needs
• Lack of access to mental health services, or long waits to be seen

According to the report:

“People who self-harm in prison described experiencing a profound lack of agency and an inability to meet basic needs such as getting food, bedding, and healthcare. Self-harm acted as a way to feel a sense of control over one’s self in an environment where autonomy is severely restricted.

Access to purposeful activities, time out of cell, and appropriate in-cell distractions were described as crucial for managing self-harm in prison. Participants said having access to distraction and social interaction helps them avoid thoughts of self-harm and self-harm behaviours.”

In the twelve months to March 2025, there were 77,898 incidents of self-harm in prisons in England and Wales – with the rate at a record high in both male and female estates.

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