Long marks 10th anniversary of Hydebank Wood College transformation
Date published:
Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women’s Prison is today more than just a prison; it’s a place of learning, opportunity, and where people get a second chance to build a positive future.
This was the message from Justice Minister Naomi Long as the prison facility marked the 10th anniversary of becoming a secure college.
Justice Minister Long said:
“This has been a remarkable journey that has seen us reimagine the very purpose of what prisons are for, and how best to unlock the potential for rehabilitation and reintegration back into our community.
“Hydebank Wood has evolved from a young offenders centre with a firm focus on security; into Northern Ireland's first secure college, a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.
“The seeds of this were sown with the publication of a Review of the NI Prison Service in 2011. This comprehensive report provided a clear roadmap for change. Since then, we have witnessed real examples of transformation in action. Purpose-built classrooms and new workshop areas, which have replaced outdated facilities. Innovative programmes focusing on literacy, numeracy, vocational skills, and personal development have been also implemented.
“Crucially, the daily interactions between staff and those in their care have shifted, with a more supportive and mentoring approach, recognising the individual needs and the potential of each person.”
The Minister also praised the vital partnership between Hydebank Wood and Belfast Metropolitan College as well as community and voluntary groups, describing it as ‘a cornerstone of the secure college model.
“This collaboration has brought a wealth of expertise, ensuring that the educational provision is of the highest quality and directly relevant to the needs of the people who live here. The opportunities to gain recognised qualifications, from basic skills to advanced vocational training, are invaluable in equipping prisoners for a life beyond the prison walls.
“From those providing specialist support in areas like mental health and addiction, to community and voluntary groups offering support, a network of dedicated individuals and organisations has contributed to the development and success of the College. Their expertise, commitment, and unwavering belief in the potential for change have been instrumental in turning Hydebank Wood from a facility facing closure into a place of best practice.
“Today, Hydebank Wood is more than just a prison; it is a place of learning, a place of opportunity, and a place where people are given a second chance to build a positive future.”
Concluding Minister Long said:
“Hydebank Wood is a symbol of our commitment to rehabilitation, to reducing reoffending, and to creating safer communities. The journey of reform within the Northern Ireland Prison Service, exemplified by Hydebank Wood, is a testament to the belief that even within the confines of a secure environment, hope can flourish, and lives can be changed for the better. Let us continue to build on this progress, to learn from our experiences, and to remain focused on our commitment to build a better and safer Northern Ireland.
“Marking ten years since the transformation of Hydebank Wood into a secure college is not the end of the journey, but it is a significant milestone. Challenges remain, and the need for continuous improvement is ever-present. However, the progress achieved over the past decade stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through a clear vision, strong leadership, dedicated staff, and effective partnerships.”
Belfast Metropolitan College’s interim Principal and Chief Executive Damian Duffy said:
“The College is delighted to have been working in partnership with the Prison Service over the last ten years. This partnership has played a key role in the transformation of the prison into what it is today as a secure college with education, training and skills acquisition at its core.
“The partnership and investment provides students with access to a range of high-quality, accredited training and employability programmes alongside essential skills and life skills opportunities. All of this equips them with the skills they need to enhance their employment opportunities upon release. In turn, this helps students make a positive contribution to their families their local communities, the economy and to wider society.
“Over the past decade Belfast Metropolitan College has been at the forefront of shaping prison education and is committed to securing outcomes for some of the most marginalised in our society. This commitment plays a key role in highlighting the benefits to individuals to include improved self-esteem and wellbeing; all of which provides for improved life chances and successful reintegration into society upon release.”
In conclusion Damian said: he was looking forward to a long and continued partnership with the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Notes to editors:
- Hydebank Wood College, which has a focus on education, learning and employment, accommodates young people between the ages of 18 and 21. It also accommodates female remand and sentenced prisoners within the complex.
- A key recommendation from the Prison Review Team Report, published in 2011, was the transformation of Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre into a Secure College. This was delivered on 25th May 2015 when the College was officially opened by the then Justice Minister David Ford and Minister responsible for Further Education Stephen Farry.
- Since 2015, Hydebank has worked in close partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast Met) to deliver a centre of excellence, which culminated in the Inspection Report in late 2024 where the College received full marks across all categories of the HMIP Healthy Prison Test.
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