Menu
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) have approx. 5000 employees. 17 prisons located across Scotland and circa 8000 people in custody.
Staff in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) work in a challenging environment where they regularly deal with difficult behaviours, high-pressure situations and emotionally demanding interactions. These day‑to‑day pressures can build up over time and affect staff wellbeing, confidence and stress levels.
SPS recognises that these challenges come from a combination of factors – the nature of the custodial environment, fast-paced operational demands, the emotional impact of incidents, and the cumulative effect of repeated exposure to stressful situations. Understanding this helps SPS take a more proactive approach to supporting staff and reducing the longer-term impact of workplace stress.
To strengthen support for staff, SPS is working with Lifelines Scotland to introduce practical, trauma‑informed tools and resources for both staff and managers. The aim is to improve understanding of trauma, build confidence in responding to difficult experiences, and create a culture where staff feel supported, informed and able to access help when they need it.
In September 2024, SPS launched Lifelines Prison Service, an online wellbeing resource tailored specifically for the prison workforce. It offers straightforward guidance through sections such as Why I’m OK most of the time and When I might need some help, using a mix of short films, articles and practical tips. The site also includes content on Psychological First Aid and the Staying Well Road Trip, an interactive course designed to help staff identify personal wellbeing risks and build everyday self‑care into their routine.
Lifelines is delivered by the team behind NHS (National Health Service) Lothian’s Rivers Centre, Scotland’s specialist traumatic stress service. With over 25 years of experience supporting people in high‑risk roles – including the emergency services, judiciary and public inquiries – their expertise ensures SPS staff receive evidence‑based, accessible and relevant support that aligns with trauma‑informed principles.
The introduction of Lifelines Scotland provides SPS staff with easy access to reliable, trauma‑informed guidance, helping them understand how stress and trauma can affect their wellbeing. This improves general awareness across the workforce and supports staff to recognise early signs that they may need support, rather than waiting until issues escalate.
The website also strengthens skills and confidence for both staff and managers. Through resources like Psychological First Aid and the Staying Well Road Trip, teams learn practical techniques for managing stress, supporting colleagues after difficult incidents, and maintaining their own wellbeing. This helps create more consistent, informed responses across the organisation.
Finally, Lifelines contributes directly to building a more supportive and trauma‑informed culture within SPS. Staff are encouraged to seek help when needed, managers are better equipped to respond, and the organisation benefits from a clearer, shared approach to wellbeing. Over time, this supports improved resilience, healthier teams, and a safer working environment for everyone.
Lifelines Prison Service is a bespoke wellbeing website developed collaboratively with Lifelines Scotland and informed by the expertise of the Rivers Centre, NHS Lothian’s specialist service for people affected by psychological trauma. The Rivers Centre has provided trauma‑specialist support since 1997 and is recognised for its extensive experience working with emergency service staff and others in high‑risk roles, offering evidence‑based guidance and trauma‑informed practice rooted in over two decades of clinical experience.