Cheap Prison Calls:
The Worst Women's Prisons In The UK!

HMP/YOI Bronzefield (Surrey)

HMP Bronzefield is the largest women’s prison in Europe, housing up to 572 female inmates. Despite its size and the resources theoretically available, the prison has faced widespread criticism for its inadequate handling of vulnerable women, particularly those with mental health issues. A report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in 2021 noted the high levels of self-harm among inmates, with many women in the prison suffering from complex trauma and emotional instability.

One of the most shocking incidents in recent history was the tragic case of a baby who died in the prison in 2019. The inmate, who was left to give birth alone in her cell without medical assistance, brought attention to the dire conditions for pregnant women in HMP Bronzefield. The case exposed serious failings in the prison’s healthcare system and raised questions about the overall management of vulnerable inmates.

Bronzefield has also struggled with overcrowding, which exacerbates many of the issues within the prison, such as limited access to mental health services and poor rehabilitation opportunities. Inmates often report long hours of lockdown in their cells, sometimes up to 23 hours a day, which can worsen existing mental health issues and lead to feelings of isolation and despair.

HMP Foston Hall (Derbyshire)

HMP Foston Hall, a closed prison for adult and young women, has garnered attention for its high levels of self-harm and suicide attempts. In 2019, HM Inspectorate of Prisons expressed concern over the significant number of incidents, which pointed to a systemic failure to address the mental health needs of the prison population. The prison has seen a worrying trend of women being locked up for extended periods, often due to a lack of staff or space for meaningful activities.

Foston Hall’s conditions for women with substance abuse problems have also come under fire. Despite a significant portion of the population struggling with addiction, the prison has been slow to implement effective detox programs and support services. The lack of tailored rehabilitation programs often leads to a revolving door, where women are released and quickly re-offend, ending up back in the same environment with little chance for genuine recovery.

The prison’s overcrowding, coupled with limited access to education and work opportunities, only further frustrates inmates. Many women at Foston Hall report feeling neglected and unsupported, with little hope of preparing for life after release.

HMP Eastwood Park (Gloucestershire)

HMP Eastwood Park is another facility that has been repeatedly criticized for its handling of vulnerable female prisoners, particularly those with mental health issues. The prison serves as a remand and sentenced facility for around 350 women but has been consistently plagued by high rates of self-harm. In 2020, inspectors raised concerns about the prison’s lack of specialist mental health care, noting that too many women with acute mental health needs were being housed in general population cells without proper support.

One of the main issues at Eastwood Park is the high turnover of inmates, which puts immense pressure on staff and resources. This fast-paced environment makes it difficult for prison officers to build relationships with prisoners, which in turn affects the delivery of effective care and rehabilitation services. The lack of continuity in care can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions and leave women feeling unsupported.

Additionally, like many women’s prisons in the UK, Eastwood Park struggles with overcrowding. This issue has led to inadequate living conditions, with many prisoners reporting cramped and unsanitary cells. The lack of meaningful activities, along with the mental health and substance abuse issues, means that many women leave the prison with little improvement in their prospects, perpetuating the cycle of reoffending.

HMP Styal (Cheshire)

HMP Styal is one of the most notorious women’s prisons in the UK, known for its history of violence, self-harm, and suicides. In recent years, the prison has faced growing criticism for its inability to provide adequate mental health care to its inmates. A report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons in 2018 noted that self-harm incidents at Styal were some of the highest in the UK, with a significant number of women in the prison suffering from severe trauma, mental health disorders, and addiction.

The physical conditions at HMP Styal are another major concern. Built in the 19th century, the prison has outdated facilities that struggle to meet the needs of its current population. Many inmates live in overcrowded, dilapidated cells, which further aggravates the sense of hopelessness and frustration. The lack of privacy, combined with the mental health crisis facing many of the women at Styal, has led to a dangerous environment where violence and self-harm are frequent occurrences.

Despite attempts to improve conditions, including increased access to mental health services and educational programs, the systemic issues at HMP Styal remain unresolved. The prison’s revolving door of reoffending women suggests that more needs to be done to address the root causes of criminal behavior, particularly trauma and addiction, if any meaningful progress is to be made.

HMP Peterborough (Cambridgeshire)

HMP Peterborough is a dual-purpose facility housing both male and female prisoners, with the women's section holding up to 360 inmates. While it is one of the newer prisons in the UK, having opened in 2005, HMP Peterborough has still faced considerable criticism over its management of female inmates. The prison has been described as an “intimidating” environment for women, particularly given its shared nature with the male population.

A significant issue at HMP Peterborough is the high rate of recidivism among female inmates, which points to the ineffectiveness of the rehabilitation programs in place. Many women in the prison are mothers, and the separation from their children only adds to the mental and emotional strain they face while incarcerated. The prison has struggled to provide adequate support for these women, with limited access to family support services and inadequate mental health care.

The overcrowded conditions at HMP Peterborough further exacerbate these issues, with many inmates reporting that they spend the majority of their day locked in their cells. The lack of meaningful activities and educational opportunities means that many women leave the prison without the skills or support needed to reintegrate into society successfully.

HMP Send

HMP Send in Surrey is another women’s prison that has faced significant challenges in recent years. Overcrowding, understaffing, and a lack of rehabilitative programs have contributed to the prison’s poor reputation. The 2023 inspection revealed that many women in Send felt neglected and unsupported, with a growing number of inmates self-harming as a result of the prison’s failure to provide adequate mental health care.

Send has also been criticized for its handling of women with substance abuse issues. Many inmates arrive at the prison with addictions, yet the prison lacks the resources and programs to help these women recover. As a result, substance abuse remains a significant problem within the prison, further complicating efforts to rehabilitate inmates.

The prison’s inability to offer meaningful work or education programs leaves many women feeling purposeless during their time in custody. This lack of engagement and rehabilitation leads to higher rates of reoffending, with many women returning to prison shortly after their release.

HMP Peterborough (Female Unit)

HMP Peterborough’s female unit has been widely criticized for its overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, making it one of the worst women’s prisons in the UK. The prison houses both men and women, and the female unit often suffers from a lack of attention and resources compared to the male population. In recent years, the prison has seen a rise in self-harm and violence, with many women reporting feeling unsafe and unsupported.

The female unit has also struggled with high levels of drug use, which has exacerbated the already difficult living conditions. Many women in Peterborough’s female unit are serving short sentences for non-violent offenses, yet they endure harsh and punitive conditions. The prison’s failure to provide adequate healthcare, mental health support, or rehabilitation programs has led to a growing sense of hopelessness among the women housed there.

HMP Downview

HMP Downview in Surrey has consistently faced criticism for its failure to provide adequate care and rehabilitation for its inmates. The prison is overcrowded and understaffed, with many women spending long periods of time locked in their cells without access to meaningful activities. This isolation has led to a rise in self-harm and mental health issues among the women at Downview.

The prison’s facilities are outdated and insufficient to meet the needs of its population. Many women arrive at Downview with complex histories of trauma, substance abuse, and mental health problems, yet the prison lacks the resources to provide the necessary care. The result is a prison environment that feels punitive and neglectful, rather than rehabilitative.

HMP Drake Hall

HMP Drake Hall in Staffordshire has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly around overcrowding and inadequate healthcare. The prison has one of the highest rates of self-harm among women in the UK, with many inmates reporting feeling neglected and unsupported by staff. Inspectors have noted that the prison’s facilities are outdated, and the lack of mental health services has left many women without the care they need.

Drake Hall’s overcrowded conditions contribute to rising tensions within the prison, leading to a significant increase in violence and bullying. The prison’s inability to provide meaningful work or education programs has left many women feeling purposeless during their time in custody, further compounding their mental health struggles.

HMP New Hall

HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire is notorious for its overcrowded conditions and poor treatment of inmates. The prison has one of the highest rates of self-harm among women in the UK, with many inmates struggling with severe mental health issues that go untreated. Inspectors have noted that the prison lacks sufficient staff to properly supervise its population, leading to increased violence and tension.

The prison’s failure to provide adequate mental health care and rehabilitation services has left many women feeling isolated and unsupported. Women at New Hall report spending long periods of time locked in their cells with little access to meaningful activities, leading to a worsening of their mental health and a higher likelihood of reoffending upon release.

While each of the five prisons mentioned above faces its own unique set of challenges, there are several systemic issues that plague women’s prisons across the UK. Overcrowding, inadequate mental health care, and a lack of rehabilitation programs are common problems that contribute to the high rates of violence, self-harm, and reoffending seen in these institutions.

Many women in UK prisons have experienced significant trauma, often related to domestic violence, sexual abuse, or addiction. Unfortunately, the prison system is often ill-equipped to provide the specialist care and support these women need to address the root causes of their criminal behavior. As a result, many women leave prison no better off than when they entered, leading to a cycle of reoffending and re-incarceration.

Additionally, the separation from children and family members can have a devastating impact on female inmates, particularly those who are mothers. The emotional toll of this separation, combined with the already harsh conditions in women’s prisons, can exacerbate mental health issues and make it even more difficult for these women to reintegrate into society upon release.

Women’s prisons in the UK are facing a crisis, with overcrowded conditions, inadequate mental health care, and a lack of rehabilitation opportunities contributing to the significant challenges these institutions face. HMP Bronzefield, Foston Hall, Eastwood Park, Styal, and Peterborough are among the worst-performing women’s prisons in the country, each struggling with its own set of systemic issues that hinder the progress of inmates.

Addressing these problems requires a fundamental shift in the way we approach incarceration, particularly for women. Providing adequate mental health care, addressing trauma, and offering meaningful rehabilitation programs are essential steps toward reducing recidivism and improving the overall conditions within women’s prisons in the UK. Only by tackling these deep-rooted issues can we hope to create a more just and effective prison system for women.