I started off as a volunteer on a 1-year work experience placement in between my second and third years at university. The placement was at Whitemoor in East Anglia, which is a Category A Prison. Category A means that the prisoners are high risk, i.e. they are commonly on long sentences, they have committed more serious crimes or they are an escape risk. Category A prisons are challenging and you have to always be on your guard. However, such places are fascinating to work in.
After I finished my undergraduate degree, I did my training in Wellingborough Prison, which is Category C (medium risk), and then moved back to Whitemoor for 5 years before taking a job at Brixton Prison as head of psychology and safer custody. The main focus of this role is concerned with the prevention of suicide and self-harm and the reduction of violence. Brixton is a male Category B local prison and has a lot of prisoners who need support and protection.
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