Lifers and IPPs sharing cells
I am an IPP/lifer prisoner who has done 14 years behind the door. All of my time has been done in a single cell, as I am high-risk. That was until I came to HMP Whatton. As soon as I got here, they forced me to share a cell. This action was blatant, perpetuated ableism by this prison.
No consideration was taken regarding my mental health conditions and disabilities. They ignored the fact that I’ve tried to take my own life many times. Mainly due to years of child abuse in the care system. They brushed aside the fact that in 2018 I was sectioned under the Mental Health Act into a mental hospital and slit my own wrists.
I have repeatedly requested a single cell since being here, but nothing has been done. They have even admitted that me being taken off high risk was done unethically and defectively. Inmates with short sentences here get single cells, while lifers and IPPs are doubled up. This cannot be right.
You’re saying how bad you were, and I believe you. Hopefully time has improved things now, – or that’s what the Prison seems to believe. My humble suggestion would be that you negotiate for the most agreeable cell-mate, as a half-way step. There are some nice people out there.