7:45pm Visit to HMP Stoke Heath
Wed, Sep 25th 2013 at 12:00 am - 12:00 am
Visit to HMP Stoke Heath
On 25th September, 14 members and 4 of our ladies visited Stoke
Heath Prison in Shropshire. Although formerly a young offenders
prison, it now has prisoners from all over the country from 18 to 80,
(so Rotarians beware!).
Our tour of the prison was very interesting indeed. We were shown
the procedures when a prisoner first arrives, which can be anytime
of the day or night. We were allowed to be in the company of the
less serious offenders which, at first, was a little intimidating.
The odd one uttered abuse in our direction but this was to be expected, given that we had a retired
policeman and two councillors in our numbers!! The number of admitted prisoners who could not read or
write was quite astounding. The ironic part of being in custody meant that some were taught in these fields
and made significant progress by the time they were released, whereas if they had been on the outside it is
likely they would not make the effort.
On the practical side it was very encouraging to see the efforts made in providing a substantial workshop for
the prisoners to learn new skills . Stoke Heath was a" metalwork" prison, where such things as garden seats
and plant holders were produced - all products being sold on the open market. It is significant that a great
deal of trust is given to those working in the workshop as the opportunity to make or use metal weapons is
there for all to see.
For obvious reasons the more serious offenders were in their own cells but we had the opportunity
to see them in their own secured area stretching their legs before being returned to their cell for
the night. Outside the buildings we saw various schemes designed to help prisoners in vocational matters for
when they are released.
Several employers support the efforts of the prison staff by employing some of the prisoners when they are
released. A documentary on John Timpson, (our MP's father), highlighted this on the TV recently. The
majority of those taken on were appreciative of the trust placed in them and the opportunity to live a life
outside crime. That is not to say that a small minority in this category do not return to Stoke Heath !!
I think that, without exception, all of us who attended somewhat changed their perception that prisons were
"too cushy" and resembled "a holiday camp" - Stoke Heath definitely does not fit into either category !!
I forgot to mention above that there were 730 prisoners at the time of our visit.
Later we all met up at
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