Prison Visits: Brixton

I have visited most of the publicly run prisons in Greater London.

My first visit to one of HM Prisons, was to Brixton Prison. I have visited 3 times. The first time was at the invitation of the Prison Reform Trust. At that event which took place in the Prison’s chapel, I heard about the work of the Prison Reform Trust, learned to refer to those who live in prisons as “residents”. I spoke to some of the residents about their challenges, joys and hopes. It was moving to hear their testimonies of changed attitudes and changes lives. The refreshments were prepared and served by residents working with The Clink – a charity that provides training or those serving prison sentences. The Clink runs a restaurant from Brixton Prison that is open to the public: https://theclinkcharity.org/restaurants/brixton

My second visit to the prison was to award members of staff with the King’s Coronation Medal. It was a joy to join prison officers, their families and friends as they received these awards which were awarded to the front line members of the prison service who had served five full years service as at the date of the coronation, and serves as a “thank you” gift from the nation. It was interesting talking to many of the officers and noting their commitment to supporting the individuals serving sentences and supporting them.

My third visit was with PACT the Prison Advice and Care Trust. The Trust supports those in prison and their families providing a vital link between those living in prison, their families and services and facilities in the community.

One other charity working with prison residents is The Clink which helps to prepare them for discharge by providing hospitality and catering training and opportunities. The Clink has a restaurant based at Brixton – https://theclinkcharity.org/restaurants/brixton – that is open to the public.

The Prison Reform Trust, PACT and the Clink are only three of the very many charities that support those in prison – in many ways, not often appreciated by the general public.