Lowdham Grange

PRISONERS

Prisoners highly rated support for families, including: family days (‘excellent’); in-cell phones; information videos for family members showing life inside the prison; Storytime, which allows prisoners to make films of themselves reading bedtime stories for their children; and a supportive attitude if families are delayed on long journeys. The prisoner-led ‘Inside TV’, which helps keep prisoners informed, the 24-hour peer advice line (using the in-cell phones), and the wide range of peer support workers, including the buddy support system for those with social care needs, were also praised, as was a comprehensive approach to prisoner representation and consultation, and education. The on-wing KioskTouch-screen terminal, normally on the wings, which allow prisoners to deal with many ‘domestic’ issues, such as submitting “apps” and ordering “canteen” system, known here as ATMs, allowing prisoners to order canteenProcess through which prisoners can purchase items such as toiletries, snacks and clothing from approved lists agreed by the prison and budget for themselves, submit applications, and book visits and appointments, was also highlighted.

OFFICERS

Staff also highlighted: Inside TV; in-cell phones; and support for family ties, including Storytime. They too rated the prisoner advice line, and felt that the ATMs helped prisoners to take more responsibility for themselves, as well as reducing the demands on staff and helping to reduce conflict by ensuring an electronic paper-trail for applications etc. Staff also appreciated recent team-building initiatives introduced by the DirectorThe term by which Governors are known in private sector prisons.

MANAGERS

The Director and his colleagues rated many of the same things as both frontline staff and prisoners, including: the prisoner advice line and buddy scheme, Inside TV, in-cell phones, and the ATMs; Storytime and other family support initiatives, including a recently created post for a full time family link worker; educational opportunities for prisoners, including access to Open University courses; and prisoner representation and consultation. They also highlighted staff recognition, access to confidential counselling for staff, and the prison’s mentoring scheme for new staff.