Hewell scrutiny visit 2020
Report for Hewell Prison
Summary
The severely curtailed regime at the start of the restrictions was understandable but almost five months had passed and there had been little progress in ensuring that prisoners had sufficient time out of cell or purposeful activity. This contributed to prisoners’ frustration and potentially to a deterioration in mental and emotional well-being. Prison leaders at both local and national level should take note of the fact that 70% of the prisoners we surveyed at Hewell reported problems with their mental health. One hour out of cell each day was simply not enough. The situation was often worse for prisoners on the margins, including the small number who were isolating. They could not have a shower regularly and sometimes had to wait for up to 14 days to do so.