The Swansea Listener Scheme was established in 1991 as a result of two inmate suicides at the Swansea prison in 1990. One inmate was a 15-year-old detained for the alleged theft of a handbag. The Listener Scheme rests on the view that Samaritan principles of sympathetic listening can be applied formally in a prison. Samaritans are ordinary persons trained to befriend others in confidence, without giving advice or opinions. In addition, ordinary prisoners can also befriend, within a confidential setting, those who feel vulnerable or suicidal. Trained and supported by the Samaritans, the services of a volunteer inmate Listener can mean the difference between coping with prison or simply giving up. The recorded incidence of self-injuries at Swansea prison has declined by half since the program began, and no suicides have occurred. Extended interviews with all six Listeners and with 20 randomly selected staff members indicate also that the positive effects of the program extend beyond suicide prevention. Notes, appended questionnaires, and 5 references (Author abstract modified)