Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the head of the Catholic church in England and Wales, will say today that there has been a 'shocking' increase in prison suicide levels because of prison overcrowding.'The system is stretched to breaking point, with the overcrowding crisis making regular headlines in our news bulletins, and a shocking increase in prison suicide levels.'
His remarks coincide with Prisoners' Sunday, designated as a day of reflection and prayer for all those involved in the prison system.
The Prison Reform Trust has called for more support for new inmates to prevent suicides.
It said providing free phone calls to family or friends would reduce stress for prisoners during their first few nights in jail.
Almost a third of suicides occur within the first week.
Figures from the trust show there were 67 apparent suicides among prisoners in England and Wales last year, a 10-year low. But 78 self-inflicted deaths have been notified to the trust so far this year.
Juliet Lyon, director of the trust, said overcrowding meant cramped conditions and frequent moves for convicted prisoners between jails to make room for those held on remand.
She said: 'This Sunday also offers an opportunity to think about how community service, restorative justice and treatment for mental illness and addictions play a part in reducing any needless use of imprisonment.'
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