Teesside prison offers a glimpse into its rehabilitation-focused approach, where staff and inmates form a close-knit community.
Teesside: Kirklevington Grange Prison has a pretty unique vibe. When you pull into the car park, the first thing you notice is the big fence. It’s a leftover from its days as a category C jail, but it feels a bit out of place for an open prison.
As you walk towards reception, you see inmates working at a car valeting service and a coffee shop. It’s clear this place isn’t just about punishment; it’s about helping guys get back on their feet. After a recent inspection praised their rehabilitation efforts, Teesside Live got a chance to check it out.
The governor, Phil Husband, has some wild stories from his 30 years in the system. He’s worked with some of the toughest inmates and even got an OBE in 2022. He loves running this open prison near Yarm, calling it a “wonderful place to work.” He believes it’s a great spot for inmates to finish their sentences.
Housing around 200 low-risk men, the focus here is all about rehabilitation. Each inmate has the keys to their own room, and many can leave to visit family or work outside. It’s a big step up from traditional prisons.
When inmates arrive, they go through a nine-week assessment. If they pass, they can start going out into the community on a temporary license. The staff work hard to give them the skills they need to reintegrate. They’ve teamed up with companies like Taylor Wimpey and Greene King to help inmates get qualifications and job opportunities.
Mark Affleck, who’s been at the prison since 2002, runs the car valeting service. He’s all about helping the guys find jobs when they leave. He’s seen a shift in the types of inmates over the years, noting that they’re getting younger and often come from families with a history of crime.
One inmate from Sunderland shared his hopes of becoming a bricklayer as he nears the end of his sentence. He’s been helping with the prison’s café renovations and appreciates the support he’s getting. He mentioned how much easier it is to have visits now compared to his last prison.
Phil and his deputy, Chris Hounslow, have built a respectful relationship with the inmates. They joke around and chat about football, creating a family-like atmosphere. Phil describes the prison as a “dysfunctional little family” where most inmates want to stay on the right path.
Drugs are a big no-no here. Anyone caught using gets sent back to a closed prison. Phil is strict about this, testing inmates regularly. They also provide support for those dealing with addiction and mental health issues, which has been praised by inspectors.
Interestingly, the prison has a ghost story too! There’s a tale about a nanny who died in a fire back in the 1800s, and some inmates claim to hear her banging on doors. Chris even demonstrated it, and it gave one inmate quite a scare!
As we walked around, we saw a gym, library, and various activities like park runs and fishing. Staff are encouraged to bring their ideas, leading to fun initiatives like a Lego club and guitar lessons.
While some areas of the prison need a bit of TLC, the overall atmosphere is positive. Phil is focused on helping inmates find jobs after they leave, and the numbers show it’s working. About 60% of them find work within six months of release.
During a recent inspection, the prison received high marks for safety and preparation for leaving. The inspectors noted the good relationships between staff and inmates, which is crucial for creating a supportive environment.
Overall, Kirklevington Grange is doing a lot to help inmates turn their lives around. It’s not just about serving time; it’s about giving them a chance to build a better future.
