A recent alarming study revealed that more than one ex-prisoner loses their life daily in the first year post-release following a significant increase after the Covid pandemic. The research conducted by the social justice organization, Nacro, highlighted that individuals leaving prison face a higher mortality rate within three months compared to individuals over 75 throughout a whole year. Nacro emphasized that many of these deaths are avoidable, describing it as a tragic situation overlooked by the public.
The study pointed out a notable surge in post-release fatalities since the onset of the pandemic. Statistics show that individuals released currently are 72% more likely to pass away within two weeks of release compared to the period of 2019-2020. Enver Solomon, the Chief Executive of Nacro, expressed concern, stating that these deaths, though hidden from the public eye, could be prevented with adequate care and support.
Nacro’s report, “Reducing Deaths Among Prison Leavers,” revealed that drug-related incidents account for 40% of post-release fatalities. The report underlined the lesser attention given to deaths occurring while individuals are on probation compared to those within prison walls. Shockingly, former inmates in the North East region are six times more prone to succumb to drug-related incidents within two weeks post-release compared to their counterparts in the East of England.
Nacro called for enhancements in healthcare services, drug treatment programs, and efforts to reduce homelessness among former prisoners. In response, a Ministry of Justice spokeswoman acknowledged the challenges faced by prison and probation staff and highlighted initiatives to support vulnerable ex-inmates, including providing accommodation for up to 12 weeks upon release and collaborating with the NHS for community-based drug treatment. Additionally, the government is investing £700 million to strengthen probation and community services and recruit 1,300 new officers this year.