HMP/YOI Drake Hall

What we found

Drake Hall is a closed resettlement prison for women, with a small open unit. Many women were held a long way from home, but the prison was doing good work to maintain family ties. Staff-prisoner relationships were positive and most women felt safe. They were never locked in their rooms and could access plenty of good-quality education and work. Public protection and resettlement work was effective, but the use of temporary release from the closed site was inconsistent and often limited.

Points to note: There were unnecessary restrictions on time in the fresh air and exercising outside, and the gym and library needed better promotion and access. An impressive range of support to help women cope included a domestic abuse support officer, eating disorder officer and the Hamlet unit, which provided targeted support to some of the most challenging and difficult to reach women.