Visiting HMP Downview for a social day

Volunteer Stephen recently visited HMP Downview for a social session organised for women who don't usually have any visitors. He shared a few reflections on the experience.

It was a long journey for me from almost the northernmost Northern Line station to the southernmost then the 80 bus to HMP Downview, and with an 8:30am arrival at the prison this meant an early start. We were seven visitors, of which I was the only male.

The gate was quite friendly and less intimidating than some male prisons I have visited and we were warmly welcomed by the PACT staff member who arranged our visit and had invited a group of women who had not received any outside contact in the preceding 6 months. Five women showed up and they sat together which made one to one conversations difficult, but we chatted as a group. They were all friendly towards us and were cheerful in themselves. There was little interest in the few apples I had with me and much more interest in chocolate and snacks available from the tea bar!

They were not from the local area (which can be a barrier to receiving visits). A lot of their conversation focused on basic, standard and enhanced privileges. One told us about having a job cleaning the visiting room. One woman mentioned that she had sold drugs to pay her bills whilst supporting her family. Another mentioned shoplifting. One woman sounded very enterprising with her cooking, for which she used her electric kettle and seemed to have all manner of spices!

I found the visit worthwhile and hope the women enjoyed the visits experience. 

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