08/04/2026
Last month, we held Co-Production Open Space Events in HMP Northumberland and HMP Bronzefield .
💡 What is an Open Space event?
The aim of these events is simple, but powerful:
Space where council members and staff can speak openly, challenge constructively, and design solutions side by side.
To create space for meaningful, collaborative conversations about the issues people are living and working with every day.
Space to move beyond “this is the problem” into “how do we fix it — together?”
Because when residents and staff co-produce change, it sticks.
At HMP Bronzefield, the agreed priorities for next steps were:
➡️ Improving access to glasses and contact lenses so women have fair access to education, courses and work.
➡️Strengthening collaboration between the prison and domestic abuse/violence organisations to better prepare women for release.
➡️Developing peer-led trauma support and emotional wellbeing forums
In a women’s prison especially, where trauma and experiences of abuse are so prevalent, these conversations are not “nice to have” — they are essential.
At HMP Northumberland, the focus moving forward is:
➡️Training & Employment: expanding course opportunities that lead to real jobs inside prison and on release, with monthly prisoner forums to keep opportunities relevant.
➡️Communication: developing an internal intranet via in-cell technology to improve communication and access to education.
➡️Gym access: increasing access to equipment to promote healthier lifestyles.
Different prisons. Different priorities.
But the same energy — people wanting to build something better. 💛
‘There was this small but brilliant moment at Bronzefield — a biscuit iced with “User Voice.” I’ve been to a lot of events over the years, and I’ve never seen that before. It might seem small, but it didn’t feel small. It felt thoughtful. It felt intentional. It felt like a sign that this work — and the space to be heard — is genuinely valued.’ - Sophie, Team Leader
Co-production isn’t a buzzword. It’s a shift in power. It’s growth. It’s accountability. It’s collaboration in action.
And when prisons create spaces like this, they don’t just improve what happens inside the gate — they ultimately contribute to safer communities.
Grateful to everyone — residents and staff — who showed up ready to talk honestly and build solutions together. This is how change happens.