Prisoner Cell Block H, Bad Girls, The Governor, Within These Walls; all TV shows about women in prison. But would women in prison make these TV shows themselves? They certainly don’t reflect the content of T.I.M.E. TV, a unique prisoner-led TV channel in the UK, based at HMP Downview in Sutton, Surrey. T.I.M.E is available on the prison’s in-cell TV system, and provides a mix of programmes from debate shows to interviews with key prison staff as well as true life stories from the prisoners, plus plenty of entertainment.

Although T.I.M.E. provides entertainment, information and a much-needed creative outlet for the 350 women in Downview, its main aim is to provide learning and work opportunities that can help prisoners leave behind their old lives. Students work to professional standards and are tutored by professionals with several years’ experience in the media industry. Over sixty women have so far worked in the Media House, and in many cases the Media House is their first experience of a professional, supportive working environment. It can be an incredibly empowering experience.

As well working within Downview, some women go on to work placements within Inside Job Productions, providing a vital step towards meaningful employment upon release. MFD is developing its links with other companies in the industry to expand the range of opportunities available.

HMP Downview’s Governor says of the project:

The development of the media project has been a major force in changing the culture of this prison. The women that participate in it are now more able to speak up on behalf of themselves and their fellow prisoners, and the programmes they produce have contributed to real improvements in the way we do things. Every prison should have one.