Reducing reoffending
A wide range of training is available across the prison, which provides learning and skills in a range of activities covering literacy, numeracy and IT as well as vocational training in a range of trades within industrial workshops. High quality training that enables the prisoner to do their job effectively and also recognises and accredits the skills that they have learnt and developed is a crucial component part of the working prison model.
Finance, Benefit and Debt
Equipping women with the skills to manage their finances is essential to reducing their risk of reoffending. Women are usually primary carers, it is therefore important that they are able to budget their household bills to reduce the number of children living in poverty and enable them to support themselves.
Mental and Physical Health
Mental and physical health is essential to the well-being of women. We are committed to provide holistic care, that has the individual at the centre, in a professional and caring environment.
Children, Families and Relationships
Women receive less visits than men and receive less support from partners. However, maintaining relationships assist women to resettle and provide support upon release. Women are usually the primary carer for their children and it is important for them to maintain that bond whilst they are in custody.
Education, Training and Employment
Education and employment are key to improving the employability of the women in our care. Government statistics show that there are poor levels of reading, writing and numeracy skills excluding up to 80% of offenders from 96% of jobs. We are committed to providing education and training to all women that fits their individual academic and training needs.
Drugs and Alcohol
More than 55% of women have a substance misuse need. We have a wide range of services to provide support, intervention and programmes to enable women to fight their addiction needs.
Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour
We are committed to transforming the lives of women by giving them the opportunity to build their self-confidence and esteem. This is done through positive pro-social modelling and effective interventions to reduce their risk to themselves and the public upon release.
Domestic Abuse and Sex Work
One in four women experience domestic abuse annually in the UK. In a recent needs analysis of the women at HMP/YOI Bronzefield 56% of women reported that they had been a victim of domestic abuse in the past. 57% of women surveyed also reported that they had worked in the sex industry and wanted to leave. We offer the support these women require to address their specific needs.
Learning & Skills
Our Learning and Skills department is at the heart of the prison.We employ 12 tutors and specialist staff to ensure our women are fully assessed on arrival to understand their education level and their skill requirements.All residents are encouraged to study or work while at Bronzefield in order to achieve qualifications prior to release, which will enable them to gain employment and reduce the likelihood of them returning to prison.
- We are working with Royal Holloway University to provide a ‘Learning Together’ programme whereby our women study modules alongside students from Royal Holloway.