Prisoners at Eastwood Park women’s prison in Gloucestershire are learning to make luxury soap as part of a social enterprise.

The scheme, launched by Weston College, employs eight women to design and manufacture the  soap to help to prepare them for life after they are released.

One of the prisoners, who cannot be named, said: “This is the best course that the prison has offered.

“It gives us real skills that we can use
when we leave prison and potentially it will enable us to set up our own business.”

She added that when the four-week course ended, she hoped to stay on to help other prisoners to learn.

The soap is sold to prison officers and staff at Weston College, but it is hoped the women may be able to create a business selling in people’s homes on their release.

Tutor Ian Rampton said: “The ladies finish the course passionate and excited, developing the belief that they can do something for themselves.”

Featured image caption: Prison and college staff show off the prisoners’ work