Britain's most dangerous prisoners are set to receive yoga sessions, acupuncture, and philosophy lessons as part of an initiative designed to aid their progress toward release from jail. A dedicated prison wing, known as the Phoenix Unit, has been established at HMP Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.
The unit will house 49 men, including 15 prisoners serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences. These individuals are considered the furthest from release due to the gravity of their offenses or subsequent serious misconduct while incarcerated.
Former prisons minister Lord Timpson described the unit as a "specialist wing for those furthest from release." Although not formally launched, the facility was operational in February, receiving a positive assessment from HM Inspectorate of Prisons as a "promising initiative."
According to a recent report by HM Prison and Probation Service on IPP sentences, residents of the Phoenix Unit will participate in activities such as yoga, acupuncture, peer-led groups, book clubs, and a Stoicism course. These programs are intended to "support engagement, reflection and personal development."
IPP sentences were handed out to over 8,000 individuals in England and Wales between 2005 and 2012. Parole Board approval is required for the release of these prisoners, contingent on a judgment that it is safe to do so.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated, "We are determined to make further progress towards safe and sustainable releases for IPP prisoners but not in any way that undermines public protection."
