HMP Forest Bank: An In-Depth Look

HMP Forest Bank, located in Pendlebury, Salford, is a Category B male prison managed by Sodexo Justice Services. Opened in 2000, it serves as a local prison for the Greater Manchester area, accommodating adult males and young adults.

 

History of HMP Forest Bank

HMP Forest Bank was established under a 25-year private finance initiative (PFI) contract, originally designed to hold 800 prisoners. It was built on the site of the former Agecroft Power Station. Over time, the prison expanded, and by November 2009, an additional 264 places were added, increasing its capacity to 1,460 inmates. This modern prison has a mission to operate a safe, decent, and secure environment while focusing on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending​​​​​​.

 

Latest News and Developments

HMP Forest Bank has been actively involved in several initiatives aimed at improving prisoner rehabilitation. Notably, it achieved Registered Restorative Organisation status, reflecting its commitment to restorative justice practices. This approach helps to address conflicts and promote a positive environment within the prison​​. Additionally, the prison has partnered with Key4Life, launching programs to aid inmates in their transition back into society​​.

General Information About HMP Forest Bank

HMP Forest Bank operates as a Category B prison, holding a diverse population of adult males and young adults aged 18-21. The prison is designed to accommodate inmates who require a higher level of security but are not deemed maximum security risks. The facility includes a variety of wings, each catering to different needs, such as general population, vulnerable prisoners, and those requiring drug and alcohol treatment​​​​.

Prison Capacity and Accommodation

The prison currently holds around 1,460 inmates. The accommodation is divided into several wings: A1 holds young adults, while other wings like B1, C1, and F2 cater to the general population. There are specialized wings for vulnerable prisoners, such as C2 and H2. The prison also has induction units and recovery wings dedicated to supporting inmates with substance abuse issues​​​​.

Categorisation and Population

HMP Forest Bank primarily houses Category B inmates, including remand and sentenced prisoners. Although classified as a Category B facility, many inmates fall under Category C. The majority of prisoners come from areas such as Wigan, Leigh, Bolton, and Bury​​.

Location and Accessibility

Located at Agecroft Road, Pendlebury, Salford, HMP Forest Bank is easily accessible for visitors and families. The prison emphasizes maintaining strong family ties and provides various visiting options, including Purple Visits, which allow video calls with loved ones​​.

Rehabilitation and Educational Programs

HMP Forest Bank is dedicated to reducing reoffending through a range of educational and vocational training programs. These include workshops in motor mechanics, industrial cleaning, catering, and welding. The prison also offers resettlement support and employment programs to help inmates integrate back into society upon release​

FAQs

1. What is the current capacity of HMP Forest Bank? HMP Forest Bank has a capacity of 1,460 inmates, including adult males and young adults aged 18-21​​.

2. Where is HMP Forest Bank located? HMP Forest Bank is located on Agecroft Road, Pendlebury, Salford, Greater Manchester​​.

3. What category of prisoners does HMP Forest Bank hold? HMP Forest Bank primarily holds Category B prisoners, but many inmates are classified under Category C​​​​.

4. When was HMP Forest Bank established? HMP Forest Bank was opened in January 2000​​.

5. What kind of rehabilitation programs are available at HMP Forest Bank? The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational training programs, including workshops in motor mechanics, industrial cleaning, catering, and welding​​.

6. How can I visit an inmate at HMP Forest Bank? Visits can be arranged through the prison’s official website. The prison also offers video calling options through Purple Visits​​.

7. Who manages HMP Forest Bank? HMP Forest Bank is managed by Sodexo Justice Services under a private finance initiative (PFI) contract​​.

8. What are the visiting hours at HMP Forest Bank? Visiting hours are between 13:00 – 19:00 from Tuesday to Friday and 12:30 – 16:00 on weekends​​.

9. Are there any notable inmates at HMP Forest Bank? Yes, some notable inmates have included former footballer turned agent Peter Morrison and British businessman Lawrence Jones​​.

10. How does HMP Forest Bank support prisoners’ families? HMP Forest Bank provides a variety of support services for prisoners’ families, including a dedicated Families Team and resources for maintaining contact through visits and calls​​.

Summary and Conclusion

HMP Forest Bank stands as a key institution in the Greater Manchester area, providing secure accommodation and extensive rehabilitation services to its inmates. With its commitment to restorative justice and a variety of vocational programs, HMP Forest Bank aims to reduce reoffending and support inmates in their journey towards reintegration into society.

For more detailed information about HMP Forest Bank, you can visit our other prison pages such as HMP Ford

References:

Visit Prison Guide – Forest Bank for additional resources and information.