Introduction
Welcome to your insight into what life is like behind the bars at The Mount Prison. This facility, situated in Hemel Hempstead, offers an intriguing look into the UK prison system.
The Mount at a Glance
Opened in 1987, The Mount is a category C prison for males over the age of 21 who are nearing the end of their sentence. With a focus on rehabilitation and preparing inmates for re-entry into society, it offers a unique perspective on incarceration and correctional approaches in the UK.
Facilities
Facilities at The Mount are designed to support rehabilitation and skills development as much as possible. At the heart of this are education and work opportunities, which are organised into the following sectors:
In addition, The Mount offers learning and skills support from Milton Keynes College and offers vocational qualifications and education in many categories including computing, literacy, and numeracy.
Life in The Mount
The goal of The Mount prison is to provide a structured, stable and secure environment to prepare inmates for their eventual release. As such, prisoners have a set daily routine that consists of work, education, leisure time and cleaning duties.
Support for Prisoners
The support services at The Mount include a cumulative grouping of basic medical and mental health services, advice for drug and alcohol misuse, and other varieties of therapies to aid in individual needs. In an effort to support and value family connections, there are also designated family visit days throughout the year.
Additional Amenities
Other amenities include a library provided by Hertfordshire Libraries, a gym with fitness classes and a wide range of sports facilities for prisoners to utilize.
The Mount Prison in the Community
The Mount takes a community-centric approach to prisoner rehabilitation, working closely with local businesses to provide inmates with work experience. This prepares them for employment post-release and reduces the likelihood of re-offending.
Conclusion
Conclusively, The Mount Prison seeks to provide prisoners with tools and resources needed to transition smoothly back into society. At its core, it’s a reflection of the UK’s commitment to correction over simple punishment, a model that has far-reaching implications for both prisoners and the wider community.
