Members of the public can now raise concerns about a loved one in custody through a new phoneline launched at all SPS prisons, and HMP Addiewell.
They are encouraged to call establishments directly, if they are worried about an individual’s mental health or wellbeing.
The new phoneline will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is just one way in which the Scottish Prison Service is continually looking to strengthen the way it safeguards people in our care.
The main prison phone numbers are listed below. When the call connects, an automated message will play asking the caller to 'Press 9'.
Addiewell 01506 874 500
Barlinnie 0141 770 2000
Bella CCU 01382 802 601
Castle Huntly 01382 319 333
Dumfries 01387 261218
Edinburgh 0131 444 3000
Glenochil 01259 760 471
Grampian 01779 485 600
Greenock 01475 787 801
Inverness 01463 229 000
Lilias CCU 0141 236 1400
Low Moss 0141 762 9500
Perth 01738 622 293
Polmont 01324 711 558
Shotts 01501 824 000
Stirling 01786 832 591
What happens next?
The call will then be transferred to the dedicated concern phoneline and will be answered by a member of SPS staff as a priority.
The caller will be asked for details about the person they are concerned about, including their full name, prison number, and details of their concern.
The call handler will contact the residential area where the individual is located. Staff will then meet with them, let them know a concern has been raised, discuss it, and check they are not at risk of causing harm to themselves.
The individual may then be supported via Talk To Me, the Scottish Prison Service’s suicide prevention strategy, which means they will receive agreed support and be checked on at regular intervals.
If the individual is not considered at risk of suicide, they may still be provided with other appropriate support, such as through a referral to the mental health team or other services.
The caller will also be contacted and informed of how their concern was handled, although the amount of information that can be shared will depend on the wishes of the individual in custody. Staff will encourage individuals to contact the person who has raised the concern themselves to reassure them, and they will support them to do this if needed.
The SPS continues to listen to the views of families, including through the Family Reference Group, which supports the Death in Prison Custody Action Group, as we consider additional ways of supporting those in our care.