Chilling report finds deaths of ex-prisoners soared in ‘hidden tragedy’
Research by social justice charity Nacro concluded that prison leavers are more likely to die within three months of being released than a person over 75 in a whole year after a huge surge
Charity Nacro has called for action to stop prison leaver deaths (file image)
A chilling report has found more than one former prisoner dies every day in the year after being released after a huge post-Covid surge.
Research by social justice charity Nacro concluded that prison leavers are more likely to die within three months than a person over 75 in a whole year. Many of these deaths are preventable, the charity said, branding it a “tragedy hidden from public view”.
The number of post-release deaths has rocketed since the pandemic, it said. Researchers found people released now are 72% more likely to die within two weeks of being freed compared to 2019/2020.
Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of Nacro, said: “This is a tragedy hidden from public view. Every day, people are dying after leaving prison and many of those deaths could be prevented.
“We see first-hand how difficult the first few weeks after prison can be, but we also see the difference timely care and support can make. Ensuring people leave prison with the healthcare they need including drug substitution therapy where appropriate, access to a GP and somewhere safe to live, can make the difference between life and death.
“To reduce the alarming number of needless deaths the Government must ensure preventative action is taken in the critical weeks before and after release, when people are often at their most vulnerable.”
The charity’s report, Reducing Deaths Among Prison Leavers, says drug-related deaths account for 40% of fatalities in the year after release. It says deaths while someone is on probation receive less focus than those behind bars.
Former inmates in the North East are six times more likely to die from a drug-related incident within two weeks than someone released in the East of England, it found.
Nacro called for healthcare and drug treatment to be improved, as well as more work to cut homelessness among former prisoners.
An MoJ spokeswoman said: “This report rightly acknowledges the serious challenges facing our hard-working staff in prisons and probation. We know those leaving custody with no onward home or with substance misuse problems are more vulnerable.
“That’s why we provide up to 12 weeks of accommodation on release and work with the NHS to support drug treatment in the community. We’re also bolstering probation and community services through a £700 million funding increase while recruiting 1,300 new officers this year.”
