Prison

The circulation of drugs such as Spice is of epidemic proportions—the result of contraband trafficked into Durham by prisoners.

At any one time at least 50% of prisoners are estimated to be suffering from mental health issues. With one mental health nurse for almost 1,000 men, the staff struggle to provide a safe and secure environment for prisoners.

Durham prison staff have to deal with daily assaults on prisoners and staff members. The atmosphere is volatile because, as a reception prison, Durham receives many new prisoners every day.

A look at women's prison HMP Foston Hall where more than 300 women are incarcerated for everything from non-payment of fines to murder.

Over half of women in prison suffer from the effects of long-term emotional, physical or sexual abuse. To tackle these issues, Foston's regime embraces a remarkable new prisoner-led therapy group.

Explores the difficulties of being a mother and in prison at HMP Foston Hall.