**Contains course language**

Foston Hall is a Closed Female prison, which was originally the hunting estate of the Broadhurst family. The present Hall was built in 1863 but the estate is 14th Century and many parts of the 17th Century house remain. The Prison Service acquired the Hall and grounds in 1953.

Like most other women’s local prisons, it holds a complicated mix of women, from those recently remanded in custody to those with lengthy sentences. Levels of need in the population are very high. Nearly half of new arrivals said they had problems feeling depressed or suicidal or had mental health problems. Many reported problems with drugs or alcohol. Over half the women had children under the age of 18 and for a similar number it was their first time in prison.  

This follow up series from Spring Films builds on the success of PRISON by turning its gaze to the women’s estate and documenting the extraordinary work of the Governor and her staff in attempting to turn prisoner’s lives around. Foston Hall is a closed female prison in Derbyshire with a capacity of nearly 350 prisoners. It will inform the viewing public about the vital work being done in our prisons by reflecting the experiences of prisoners and staff with typical candor, humour and empathy.

Each episode is approximately 47 minutes in length