Maghaberry Prison Supports Suicide Awareness Groups

Maghaberry Prison teamed up with two voluntary groups from Belfast today to highlight the devastation caused by suicide and self harm.

Staff and prisoners took part in a series of sponsored events to raise money to help families traumatised by the loss of a loved one.

All money raised will be distributed to the Falls Road-based Suicide Awareness Support Group, the Greater Shankill Bereaved Families Support Group and the Samaritans.

Principal Officer Sam McKay, who runs the Maghaberry Listener Scheme in conjunction with the Samaritans, said the issue had struck a chord with both staff and inmates.

He said: "The work that these groups do to help grieving families is invaluable and we hope that today's event will help raise awareness of the services available in the community."

(CD/JM)