Ms Sugden said: “Prison officers play an invaluable role in serving the entire community in Northern Ireland and it is important to recognise the unique challenges they face in their working environment.

“Since becoming Justice Minister I have prioritised raising the level of support available for prison officers. I am therefore delighted to announce that the Prison Service will work with the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT) to develop new support services for prison officers in Northern Ireland.

“I have also asked the Prison Service to examine how these services could also be extended to former prison officers.

“Since its formation in 1999, the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT) has been providing an invaluable service to serving and former police officers. PRRT staff are experienced clinicians or practitioners with specialist training in supporting people who work in challenging situations. They will now be able to bring that expertise to deliver additional support for prison officers.”