Prison life
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1. Arriving at prison
When someone arrives at prison they have at least one interview and assessment with a qualified professional so they:
- know what their rights are
- get help with their physical and mental health, for example with sexual health or drug and alcohol problems
- are told what courses they can do in prison
- understand prison rules and procedures
The prisoner gets a prisoner number and their property is recorded and put somewhere safe until they’re released.
Security categories
Prisoners are given a security category based on:
- how likely they are to try to escape
- their risk of causing harm to other prisoners and prison staff
A prisoner may be transferred to another prison with a different security category at any time.
2. Prisoner privileges and rights
Prisoners who follow rules can earn privileges. This is called the ‘Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme’. A prisoner may be able to:
- get more visits from family or friends
- be allowed to spend more money each week
Privileges are different in each prison - staff can explain to the prisoner how the scheme works.
Rights
Prisoners have rights, including:
- protection from bullying and racial harassment
- being able to get in contact with a solicitor
- healthcare - including support for a mental health condition
All prisoners should be able to spend between 30 minutes and an hour outside in the open air each day.
Punishments
A prisoner who breaks prison rules is normally punished. They can be:
- kept in their cell for up to 21 days
- given up to 42 extra days in prison on top of their original sentence
The prison can take away privileges, for example removing a TV from a cell.
3. Healthcare in prison
Prisoners get the same healthcare and treatment as anyone outside of prison.
Treatment is free but has to be approved by a prison doctor or member of the healthcare team.
Prisons do not have hospitals, but many have in-patient beds.
Most problems are dealt with by the healthcare team. If they cannot, the prison may:
- get an expert to visit the prison
- arrange for treatment in an outside hospital
The healthcare team can ask the prisoner’s family doctor for their records, but only if the prisoner agrees to it.
Special help and support
Prisoners can get specialist support, for example if they:
- have drug or alcohol problems
- have HIV or AIDS
- are disabled or have a learning difficulty
Refusing medical treatment
A prisoner can refuse treatment. However, the healthcare team may choose to give treatment if the prisoner is not capable of making decisions themselves (for example they have a mental health condition).
Wherever possible, the healthcare team will discuss this with the prisoner’s family first.
4. Vulnerable prisoners
Staff are trained to spot prisoners at risk of bullying, suicide or self-harm. The prisoner may get their own case manager who will make sure they:
- are asked about their mental health, for example if they’re feeling depressed
- get regular support from a health specialist
Most prisons also have ‘listener schemes’ that offer emotional support in confidence - normally from fellow prisoners.
Psychiatric hospitals
A prisoner can be moved to a secure psychiatric hospital for their own safety. This only happens if they meet certain conditions under the Mental Health Act.
Once the prisoner gets better, they return to prison.
If you’re worried about a prisoner
If you’re worried about a prisoner:
- tell a member of prison staff when you visit
- contact the prison’s ‘Safer Custody Team’
Some prisons run confidential Safer Custody hotlines where you can leave a message explaining your concerns. Find a prison and check the contact section for details.
5. Pregnancy and childcare in prison
Women who give birth in prison can keep their baby for the first 18 months in a mother and baby unit.
A prisoner with a child under 18 months old can apply to bring their child to prison with them.
Social Services arrange for children over 18 months to be cared for (for example by the prisoner’s parents, or fostering).
Applying for a place in a mother and baby unit
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The prisoner can apply for a space in a mother and baby unit when they enter prison.
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An admissions board will decide if it’s the best thing for the child.
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If there are no places in the prison the mother first goes to, they may be offered a place in another unit.
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If there are no spaces in any unit, arrangements must be made for the child to be cared for outside prison.
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If the mother is refused a place they can appeal - the prison will explain how.
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Separation plans are made when the mother enters prison if the child will reach 18 months before her sentence is over.
For prisoners with sentences of 18 months or over, arrangements are normally made for the child to be cared for outside prison.
Prisons with mother and baby units
The following prisons have mother and baby units:
- Bronzefield
- Eastwood Park
- Styal
- New Hall
- Peterborough
- Askham Grange
6. Education and work in prison
Courses are normally available to help prisoners get new skills, for example learning to read and write, use computers and do basic maths. Most prisoners get an Individual Learning Plan listing courses and training.
Qualifications and skills
Most courses lead to qualifications that are recognised by employers outside prison, for example GCSEs or NVQs. Prisoners may be able to do a distance learning course, for example Open University.
A prisoner can learn skills, for example woodwork, engineering or gardening.
Working in prison
Many prisoners get the chance to work while carrying out their sentence, for example making clothes and furniture or electrical engineering.
This is done in prison workshops and is normally paid work.
Prisoners can also work around the prison itself, for example in kitchens and laundries.
A ‘low-risk’ prisoner may be allowed to work in the community.
You can find out what education and work opportunities each prison offers.