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HMP Highpoint

HMP Highpoint is a Category C men’s prison located in the village of Stradishall, near Haverhill, Suffolk. It operates under His Majesty’s Prison Service and has a long and varied history, serving as a military base before its transformation into a prison. Today, Highpoint consists of two sections, Highpoint North and Highpoint South, with a combined capacity of 1,323 inmates. Despite being categorized as two separate prisons, both share essential services and are primarily focused on rehabilitating prisoners through education, vocational training, and resettlement programs.

History of HMP Highpoint

The site on which HMP Highpoint stands has a history dating back to 1938, when it was initially opened as an RAF base. After the base's closure in 1970, it briefly served as a transit camp for Ugandan refugees fleeing political persecution under Idi Amin. Highpoint Prison officially opened in 1977, initially as a male-only facility. Interestingly, the prison was built using prison labor, saving approximately £2 million on construction costs.

In 1997, the northern part of Highpoint became a women’s prison, but this separation was short-lived. By 2001, Highpoint North and South formally separated, with Highpoint North being renamed Edmunds Hill, which remained a distinct prison until 2011 when it was again integrated under the Highpoint name. Edmunds Hill became Highpoint North, and the former Highpoint South retained its name.

Incidents and criticisms

Like many prisons, HMP Highpoint has faced challenges over the years. In February 2003, the prison was embroiled in controversy when two female drug therapy workers were dismissed after allegations surfaced about inappropriate relationships with prisoners. The workers' employer, Addaction, subsequently lost its contract with the prison.

In May 2005 and May 2007, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) released reports criticizing the conditions at HMP Highpoint. These reports highlighted overcrowding, with many inmates forced to share single cells, as well as substandard healthcare services. The 2007 report went further, describing the prison’s accommodation as "unfit for purpose" and highlighting the lack of training opportunities for prisoners and low morale among staff.

In more recent years, concerns have arisen over the use of illegal substances within the prison, with inmates describing poor conditions and limited access to rehabilitation programs. Despite these challenges, efforts have been made to improve facilities and provide better opportunities for prisoners.

The state of HMP Highpoint

Today, HMP Highpoint is a fully functioning Category C prison for adult male inmates. It houses prisoners serving a range of sentences, from short terms to life sentences, including those convicted of serious offenses such as murder. The prison is known for its focus on rehabilitation and resettlement, offering prisoners various educational and vocational opportunities.

Accommodation and Living Conditions
HMP Highpoint comprises ten living units, each designed with integral sanitation, in-cell electricity, and in-cell television. While the accommodation has faced criticism in the past, significant efforts have been made to improve living conditions for the inmates. However, overcrowding remains a persistent issue, with some prisoners still sharing cells designed for one.

Educational and Vocational Programs
One of the prison’s primary focuses is on preparing inmates for life after release through education and vocational training. Prisoners at Highpoint can participate in a wide range of workshops and courses, including:

Tailoring: Inmates can learn practical skills such as sewing and garment making.
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Welding and Fabrication: A workshop dedicated to teaching inmates skills in metalworking and fabrication.
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Private Sector Contracts: Prisoners work on contracts with private companies, gaining valuable work experience.

Market Gardening: An outdoor program where inmates learn to grow and cultivate plants, contributing to the prison’s green initiatives.

In addition to these vocational workshops, HMP Highpoint offers educational programs aimed at improving inmates’ literacy and numeracy skills. Courses include:

Basic Skills: Programs focused on literacy and numeracy to ensure inmates have the foundational skills needed for future employment.

Key Skills and Social Skills: Classes designed to improve communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

Art and Design: Creative programs that allow inmates to explore artistic expression.

Business Studies: Courses that teach business principles and entrepreneurship, helping inmates prepare for self-employment after release.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): A program for non-native English speakers to improve their language skills, crucial for reintegration into society.

Resettlement programs

HMP Highpoint has a strong focus on resettlement, helping inmates prepare for life after prison. One notable initiative is the partnership with City and Guilds that began in August 2022. This program teaches inmates how to maintain railway infrastructure, providing them with industry-relevant skills that increase their employability upon release. Several former inmates, including Ryan Hull and Othman, have spoken highly of the program, stating that it has given them a sense of relief and hope for the future.

In addition to vocational training, the prison offers resettlement workshops that focus on areas such as housing, employment, and financial management, helping inmates transition back into society more smoothly.

HMP Highpoint encourages family connections and provides a staffed Visitors Centre at Highpoint South, where families can get refreshments and access facilities before visiting their loved ones. In the Visits Hall, tea, coffee, and soft drinks are available for visitors and prisoners alike. The prison works with the Ormiston Children and Families Trust to operate its Visitor Centre, which provides support and advice to families of inmates.

Maintaining family ties is considered a key factor in reducing recidivism, and the prison actively encourages inmates to stay in contact with their families through visits, phone calls, and letters.

Challenges facing HMP Highpoint

Despite the positive programs in place, HMP Highpoint faces ongoing challenges, particularly in relation to the use of illegal substances. Drug smuggling, primarily through visitors and staff, has been a persistent issue at the prison, with inmates reporting widespread availability of drugs within the facility. This contributes to poor inmate health and exacerbates the already difficult living conditions.

Overcrowding remains another significant challenge. Although efforts have been made to expand the prison’s capacity, many inmates still share cells meant for one, leading to tension and conflict. The prison’s healthcare services have also been criticized, with some inmates reporting long waiting times for treatment and limited access to mental health services.

Looking to the future

HMP Highpoint continues to strive toward improvement, with a focus on rehabilitation and preparing inmates for life after release. Programs like the railway maintenance initiative offer real hope to prisoners seeking employment opportunities, while the education and vocational courses help build essential life skills.

However, there is still much work to be done to address the overcrowding, substance abuse, and healthcare issues that continue to plague the prison. Ongoing investment in staff training, infrastructure, and inmate programs will be essential in ensuring HMP Highpoint becomes a safer, more effective institution for rehabilitation.

HMP Highpoint has evolved significantly since its opening in 1977, with a clear focus on rehabilitation and resettlement for its Category C inmates. Despite the challenges it faces, the prison offers a range of educational and vocational programs aimed at reducing reoffending rates and helping inmates reintegrate into society. As with any prison, ongoing reforms and investment will be crucial to improving living conditions and ensuring a positive future for both inmates and staff at HMP Highpoint.

Contact Information:
- Tel: 01440 743100
- Address: Stradishall, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9YG
- Operational capacity: 1,323