Gimme Shelter

Prisons in the UK are categorised A, B, C or D. Category A prisons are for all the most dangerous criminals, armed robbers and the like. Category D prisons include infamous 'open prisons' much derided in the tabloid media as 'holiday camps'. Oxford's Night Shelter is probably most like a Category D prison; although it is built in the same design as Category B/C I briefly stayed in, to house inmates that include no doubt senior criminals and mental health patients.

I guess however that open prisons would be largely more stable and peaceful with more interesting activities than the Oxford Night Shelter. Three pounds a day gives you a bed, three (very square) meals and constant noise, madness and low level tension between the hours of 07.30 and 22.30. All in all better than sleeping rough but a real drain on the spirit and a test of one's sanity. I can't wait to leave!

From our own correspondant
The author is someone who has spent
a number of years on the street.
See below for earlier post: 'Winter Turbulence at the Gatehouse'

Why not leave some feedback on this or your own experiences