HMP WAKEFIELD
Meeting the needs of older prisoners and responding to the
challenge of an aging prison population.
Introduction to HMP Wakefield
Maximum Security Prison within the High
Security Estate.
 Established as a prison on this site for over
400 years. *
 Operational capacity of 749 prisoners.
 Role as of 08:00 hours on 1st October 2013 =
740 with 150 Category A’s & 2 High Risks. *

High Security Prisons Age Breakdown

High Security Prisons
Population Breakdown
at July 2013: *
70 +
60 - 69
50 - 59
40 - 49
30 - 39
25 - 29
21 - 24
18 - 20
15 - 17
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
HMP Wakefield Facts & Figures
In comparison with other
High Security Estates HMP
Wakefield had the oldest
population with 44.1% of
prisoners over the age of
50!
This comes as no surprise
given HMP Wakefield’s
large sex offender
population.
Breakdown of age groups at
HMP Wakefield at July 2013:
18-20
21-24
25-29
30-39
 40-49
 50-59
 60-69
 70+
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


=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
0
16
56
130
213
184
110
33
HMP Wakefield Age Breakdown
July 2013
HMP Wakefield Age Breakdown
70+
Age breakdown
60-69
50-59
40-49
30-39
25-29
21-24
18-20
0
50
100
150
Number of prisoners
200
250
How old is Elderly?…
Community
Retirement age = 68
Custody
The Chief Inspector
of Prisons describes
the older prisoner
to be 50+
*
Opportunities/activities for the older population at
HMP Wakefield
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
HMP Wakefield has a Registered General Nurse who carries out the
following role:

Specific responsibility for the provision of care for the older population.



Rolling programme enabling annual assessments.
Those with specific needs referred to relevant service provider. *
These services are in addition to the primary care medical services.
Opportunities/activities for the older population at
HMP Wakefield cont….
LIBRARY SERVICES





Available Every Wednesday
morning.
Opportunity to use facilities
with no pressure.
General quiet time reading.
 Tea/Coffee available.
Comfortable high back chairs.
Located flat from the wings.
PRISONER’S VIEWS
“No hustle or bustle”
 “Quieter, more peaceful”
“Don’t feel any pressure to be
quick”
“There is no rush, I can use the
couple of hours well”
“Enjoy the company of others in
a nice setting”
“Easy activity to attend with my
walking difficulties”

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Opportunities/activities for the older population at
HMP Wakefield cont….
CHAPEL
EMPLOYMENT
Chaplaincy offer a weekly group for
the older population.
Prisoners at HMP Wakefield are able to
retire with appropriate pay at the
age of 60; unless medically retired.
Every Thursday Afternoon. *
 Variety of activities. *
Informative talks by professional
visitors. *
 Parlour games.


With the exception of 2 workshops; all
areas of the prison are accessible as
ramps/lifts are available.
Prisoners over the age of 60 can
continue in employment until they
see fit.
When choosing to work, the Over 60’s
are able to attend two activities of
their choice each week.
Opportunities/activities for the older population at
HMP Wakefield cont….
GYMNASIUM
SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB


Every Tuesday afternoon.
 Variety of games. *
 Opportunity to relax. *
 Socialise and interact. *
Activities & some gym equipment available.
*
Supervised in an informal manner by Physical Education
Instructors.
Opportunities/activities for the older population at
HMP Wakefield cont….
GYMNASIUM
COGNITIVE SKILLS GROUP
Every Friday morning.
Main aim is to help delay the onset of Alzheimer's & Dementia.
 Play games that require the prisoner to ‘think’.


Triominoes/Scrabble/Puzzles/Word searches
Relevantly new activity; commenced July 2013.
Number of attendee’s steadily increasing each week.
 Social & interaction.


Tea/coffee available
Opportunities/activities for the older population at
HMP Wakefield cont….
GYMNASIUM/Healthcare
Every Friday morning alongside Cognitive Skills Group:
Although not specific to the older population; they do pose a
higher risk
 A programme for those with heart problems. *
 15 week programme.
 Regular tests by Healthcare. *
 Circuit training specific to strengthening the heart. *
 Other aerobic exercises available. *
STRICT CRITERIA; THE INDIVIDUALS CONDITION MUST BE
STABLE.
Opportunities/activities for the older population
at HMP Wakefield cont….
CORE DAY UNLOCK
The prison regime has been adapted to offer ‘core day unlock’
to older retired or disabled prisoners who do not wish to
attend either off wing activities or paid work.
Interact with peers.
Additional time to use showering facilities etc.
 Additional time to engage with wing staff.
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Opportunities/activities for the older population
at HMP Wakefield a conclusion.
So….that is what HMP Wakefield currently
offer the elderly population.
All the while remaining in a High Security Estate
continuing to be mindful of:
 Security.
 The prison regime.
 Decency & Diversity.
FOR THE FUTURE…..
…..The future for the elderly at HMP Wakefield
Due to a new build Kitchen at
HMP Wakefield the old
kitchen building offers a
number of opportunities.
Ideas include the building
being used specifically for
the elderly population:

There are discussions taking
place regarding the
possibility of a project for
this building; the prison is
currently seeking funds.


To complete Offending
Behaviour Programmes
(OBP)
To be used as a day room
To complete surgeries for
example blood pressure
checks.
…..The future for the elderly at HMP Wakefield
concludes.
In prison the elderly are getting older:
 Prisoners are committed to prison for longer.
 Society is living longer therefore individuals are
committed to prison older.
 Dormant crimes are now being brought to light
due to advanced technology.
Our policy at HMP Wakefield is continuous
improvement and learning.
…..The future for the elderly at HMP Wakefield
concludes.
Thank you for your time.