We have only chosen to provide information on the crucial first few days in prison mainly because they are the most important for a first timer to experience. There are many websites and information resources on all the prison processes available on the internet. 

For a first timer everything is brand new, your eyes are alert and open to everything going on, you're trying to work out all the activity around you, managing your own thoughts and feelings whilst soaking in all the need to know information and getting your affairs in order, It can be mentally draining. Life on the wing will look the most difficult in those first few days awaiting for your induction to finish, this means you will wait days to access work or employment and unfortunately this is spent in your cell. 

Life on the wing relates to all the experiences you may encounter in those first few days, it can feel the loneliest of times, you may still be struggling to accept what is happening or feel empty, unsure of how you will cope or adapt, measuring these very few days on the remainder of your sentence. The only thing to do is keep your mind active, through writing letters, reading, knowing that basically these are the toughest times for all when in prison, be patient enough to get through Induction, you will access more prison services and start to get involved with the prison regime.

What to expect 

• The frequent noise of cell bells or banging on doors to get the attention of officers

• Hearing lots of other prisoners going about their way from behind your cell door.

• Have lots of random conversations with other prisoners face to face or through your prison door.

• Witness arguments between staff and prisoners or prisoners arguing with each other.

• Possibly see fights between others

• Prisoners approach your cell to see what you have in possession or if you have any drugs to sell.

Association

Association is where you will get an opportunity to gain access outside your cell and be able to 

• Make phone calls

• Shower

• Engage with wing games such as table tennis pool or playing cards.

• Speak with others you may have got to know.

Association is a busy time on the wing, you may choose to shut your door and not leave your cell, many do but try to get out and make that call to someone you know, discuss how you are feeling or just talk about your day, it's important to communicate. A call for exercise will be announced, where you can walk outside in the prison yard and stretch your legs. Shortly after your exercise is done, you will hear a pre announcement via a tannoy or verbal scream from an officer that it's time to get behind your door for roll count- Again it's important you are in your cell when the officer attends to close the door, lateness can result in I.E.P warnings.