Welcome to the inside of Buckley Hall Prison, a facility whose tout and tarnish is as rich as its history. Located in the North West of England, the prison is home to Category C male prisoners, and if its historic Victorian walls could talk, they would paint a picture of life within, much of which remains elusive to those on the outside.
Buckley Hall Prison’s regime operates under the principles of respect, trust and support, promoting a positive change in prisoner attitudes and behaviour.
The prison staff continuously pursue a sense of community that encourages personal development and mutual respect.
Regular activities including workshops, education courses and work opportunities help prisoners make their time productive, and aid rehabilitation.
Prisoners at Buckley Hall are mostly housed in single cells, but there are some double cells as well. Each cell is equipped with a toilet, sink, television, and other basic items.
Days at Buckley Hall kick off early morning and consist of meals, work or education, personal time and lockdown for the night. Flexibility is embedded within this routine to accommodate statutory requirements and personal needs of the prisoners.
Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served in communal halls, with options to cater for dietary needs and preferences.
Access to showers, telephones and kiosks is also factored into the daily routine.
Buckley Hall provides a variety of work and educational opportunities to its prisoners. Its purpose is to aid the reintegration process and equip inmates with the skills that could assist them post-release.
Education courses can range from Functional Skills to higher level qualifications. The facility also provides vocational training in areas such as horticulture, construction, and catering.
Working prisoners have roles in areas such as recycling, prison industries, catering, cleaning, laundry, and gardens.
Rehabilitation is a key aspect of life in Buckley Hall. There are programmes tailored to address the needs of the prisoners such as drug addiction and anger management.
Leisure facilities include a gym and a library. Regular access to these facilities is ingrained into the daily regime. Dedicated time for exercise and recreational reading is a vital aspect of maintaining morale and mental health within the prison community.
Visitation is an essential component of maintaining family and societal ties for prisoners at Buckley Hall. The visiting hours are stipulated and family members need to book visits in advance.
The Visitors’ Centre is there to make the process comfortable and provides facilities such as seating, refreshments, and a children’s play area.
There are rules and regulations set down for visitors to ensure seamless processes and the safety of all involved, including security checks and restrictions on object transfers.
Overall, life at Buckley Hall Prison often depends on the personal attitude and behaviour of the prisoners. The prison holds its principles of respect, individual responsibility and mutual support high, aiming to equip its prisoners with skills and attitudes that prepare them for life outside bars. Whilst this insight into Buckley Hall provides a distinct picture of life and conditions in the prison, the experience can be immensely personal and multifaceted for individuals serving their sentences.
