PRISONERS in HMP Berwyn are the most numerous users of the Samaritans phone line in the UK, according to a report.

An annual report of the prison's Independent Monitoring Board includes concerns about aspects of safety between March 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020.

The document, published this month, explains: "There were 406 assaults on prisoners (48 of which were classed as serious) and 244 assaults on staff (26 of which were classed as serious) between March 2019 and February

2020.

"In addition, five sexual assaults were recorded.

"Additionally, there were 1,006 recorded incidents of self-harm and 864 assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) documents registered during the reporting year.

"The numbers of assaults and incidents of self-harm continue to be a concern to the board.

" It is noted that prisoners in Berwyn are the most numerous users of the Samaritans telephone line in the UK."

The report states frustration and boredom, along with the use of illicit substances - and the associated debts - are identified as key factors behind these figures.

It continues: "To assist in combating these contributory factors, the board is aware of several actions that it would like to highlight as good practice."

Among these are a razor policy, which the report says has been introduced to better control access to a potentially harmful object.

Highlighted also are distraction boxes, which the document states have been issued to houses, with prisoners able to borrow items such as puzzles, radios, self-help books and colouring materials as required.

The number of board applications for staff/prisoner issues relating to bullying "remains concerning", the document adds.

It continues: "In this reporting year, we received 104 applications, compared with 92 in the last reporting year.

"However, it should be acknowledged that the prison population has also grown during the reporting period."