Do you see that imposing structure before us? That is HMP High Down. Let’s delve into the story of this place.
HMP High Down stands on the outskirts of Banstead in Surrey. It is next to the southern boundary of Belmont in Greater London. This Category C men’s training and resettlement prison opened in 1992. It was built on the site of the former Banstead Hospital.
HMP High Down has a capacity of over 1,200 inmates. It aims to prepare them for release and reintegration into society. The prison offers sentence planning and drug counseling. The First Night in Prison scheme and Bail Information scheme also offer support.
Imagine arriving here. The First Night in Prison scheme offers guidance during a difficult time. A detox unit is available for those struggling with substance misuse. Unlike some prisons, inmates here can wear their own clothes. This is a small step toward maintaining individuality. Showers are available on each landing for personal hygiene. A pinphone system is available. Each cell has its own phone. This allows inmates to maintain contact with the outside world.
HMP High Down provides various healthcare services. Dental services are provided three times a week. Optician and chiropody services are available. Asthma and sexual health services are also provided weekly. The prison has one full-time consultant forensic psychiatrist. An additional psychiatrist works two days per week. Healthcare services are provided by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
The prison once planned to open an offender personality disorder unit. This unit would have had a capacity of 23 beds in single cells. HMP High Down also provides an Integrated Substance Misuse service.
HMP High Down has housed several notable inmates. Gary Glitter was moved here after being jailed for child sexual offences. Former England cricketer Chris Lewis served six years here for drug smuggling. Footballer Josh Payne was also jailed here.
HMP High Down is not without its challenges. Conditions for prisoners reportedly deteriorated after staff cuts. Recent inspections have highlighted areas for improvement. These include purposeful activities and the use of force against minority inmates.
Despite these challenges, HMP High Down strives to offer support and rehabilitation. The Clink is a public restaurant located within the prison. It was the first of its kind to open within a UK prison.
HMP High Down has evolved significantly since its opening. From its beginnings as a mental hospital to its current role as a Category C prison. It continues to adapt to the needs of its inmates. It aims to prepare them for a better future. The prison plays a vital role in the UK’s criminal justice system. It focuses on safety, rehabilitation, and efficient management.