Volunteering - prisons
From Camlink
There are two prisons in Cambridgeshire: Littlehey at Perry, and Whitemoor at March. Both offer volunteering opportunities.
Littlehey Prison
Littlehey is a category C prison which holds adult men. It was opened in 1988 on the site of Gaynes Hall Youth Custody Centre, and is a purpose-built category C prison. There are 8 residential units, two of which are 'Ready to Use' units (RTUs), one added in 1997 and the second in 2003. The operational capacity is just over 700.
Address: Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 OSR.
Tel: 01480 333 000.
Littlehey Prison Visitors Centre
Littlehey Prison Visitors Centre has been nominated for the Justice Awards for its outstanding contribution to working with offenders and their families. A registered charity with 46 members, the centre in Perry near Huntingdon supports prisoners and their families in making a fresh start. All but five of its staff at the centre are volunteers, giving up time to support those visiting loved ones in jail.
Those working at the centre use a holistic approach to reducing re-offending. They provide comfortable surroundings and refreshments, guidance and advice and activities for children and teens visiting their dads at Littlehey. Trained volunteers care for youngsters in a brightly decorated hall, containing toys, so their parents can discuss difficult or emotional issues during visits.
Four times a year, the centre organises family days, enabling a few children to spend time with their fathers in a more relaxed environment.
Contact details: Address: Crow Spinney Lane, Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 0SR.
Telephone: 01480 333 136.
Whitemoor Prison
Whitemoor is a maximum security prison for men in Category A and B. It is one of eight High Security prisons within the prison estate. The prison is focusing on rehabilitation and offending behaviour.
The prison includes a pilot assessment spur examining links between dangerousness and severe personality disorder. The Fen Units has developed in partnership with the Department of Health and Mental Health Unit. In February 2002 this was complemented by the opening of an intervention spur developing a pilot regime for the management and treatment of dangerous and severe personality disorder. Whitemoor also houses a Close Supervision Centre (CSC) which opened in October 2004. The unit is a small therapeutic centre aiming to provide a supportive, safe, structured and consistent environment. Operational capacity is just over 450.
The local Citizens Advice Bureau provides advice in the visitors' centre and also inside the prison on the wings.
Address: Longhill Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 OPR.
Tel: 01354 602 350
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