The police and the Samaritans – offering a helping hand

On average each week, in England and Wales, it’s believed someone will take their own life within three days of being released from police custody. South Wales Police have joined the Samaritans to pilot an awareness-raising scheme to help reduce levels of self-harm.

In Merthyr Tydfil, Samaritans volunteers go on site to offer detainees emotional support – while cells can also be linked to their confidential national helpline. Our Home Affairs correspondent Andy Davies joined them on a night shift.