Training at HMP Bronzefield impresses High Sheriff

A tour of the adult and young offender female prison HMP Bronzefield in Ashford gave Dr Llewelyn a positive impression of its wide-ranging rehabilitation and educational facilities.

The prison provides English and maths tuition, skills training and employment opportunities. Inmates can focus their energies on running a call centre, learn hairdressing in a fully functioning hair and beauty salon, or train as baristas in the café where the High Sheriff enjoyed a delicious latte.

Acting governor Vicky Robinson told the High Sheriff that the purpose-built facility houses a wide range of female offenders, from those serving short sentences to those in prison long-term for serious crimes.

She then introduced Dr Llewelyn to four inmates, one of whom was doing an Open University degree, who told her about what they had learned and their aspirations.

Dr Llewelyn said: “They  were positive about their training. And although all the women in prison had had a difficult time during Covid, they were pleased they were moving through that and could now see visitors.”