How to Contact Someone in Prison: Comprehensive UK Guide

Reaching out to a loved one or acquaintance in prison can be challenging, but it’s crucial for their emotional well-being and rehabilitation. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information on how to contact someone in a UK prison. We’ll cover everything from phone calls and letters to visitations, ensuring you have all the details you need.

Understanding the Importance of Contacting Inmates

Maintaining contact with someone in prison is vital for their mental health and reintegration into society. Studies have shown that prisoners who maintain strong relationships with family and friends are less likely to reoffend. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the various methods available to stay in touch.

Contacting someone in a UK prison

Methods to Contact Someone in Prison

There are several ways to contact someone in prison, including letters, phone calls, emails, and visitations. Each method has its own set of rules and regulations, which we’ll explore in detail.

Sending Letters to Someone in Prison

Sending letters is one of the most common ways to contact an inmate. It allows for a personal touch and provides inmates with something tangible to hold onto.

  1. Writing the Letter: When writing a letter, always include the inmate’s full name, prison number, and the address of the prison. Avoid using staples or paperclips, as these can be considered contraband.

  2. Checking Prison Regulations: Each prison may have specific rules regarding what can be sent. Generally, avoid sending items like cash, stamps, or any items that could be considered contraband.

  3. Posting the Letter: Use the Royal Mail to send your letters. Ensure you use enough postage to cover the weight and size of the letter.

Making Phone Calls to Inmates

Phone calls are another vital way to maintain contact. However, prisoners cannot receive calls; they can only make them. Here’s how it works:

  1. Setting Up a Phone Account: The inmate will need to have an account with a prison phone provider. They can add approved contacts to their list and will be able to call these numbers.

  2. Call Costs: Calls from prison can be expensive. Ensure that the inmate has sufficient funds in their account to make calls. Some prisons offer cheaper rates for calls to landlines.

  3. Phone Call Restrictions: Calls are usually limited in duration and may be monitored for security reasons. Inmates are also restricted to certain times when they can make calls.

Sending Emails to Inmates

Emailing inmates is becoming increasingly popular. The service, known as Email a Prisoner, allows you to send emails which are then printed and delivered to the inmate.

  1. Registering for the Service: You’ll need to create an account on the Email a Prisoner website. Once registered, you can compose and send emails to the inmate.

  2. Costs and Delivery: There’s a small fee for each email sent. The emails are usually delivered within 24 hours, though this can vary depending on the prison.

  3. Content Restrictions: Similar to letters, emails are subject to monitoring. Avoid discussing sensitive or illegal topics.

Contacting someone in a UK prison

Visiting Someone in Prison

Visits are a crucial way to maintain personal contact. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Booking a Visit: Visits must be booked in advance. You can do this online via the HM Prison and Probation Service website or by contacting the prison directly.

  2. Visitor Approval: Visitors must be approved by the prison. This usually involves providing identification and sometimes undergoing a background check.

  3. Visit Procedures: On the day of the visit, arrive early and bring valid ID. Be prepared to undergo security checks. Visits are typically limited to a specific duration and may be supervised.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Inmates

Contacting different types of inmates, such as those in high-security prisons or young offenders, may involve additional rules and regulations. Always check with the specific prison for their guidelines.

High-Security Prisons

High-security prisons have stricter regulations. Expect more rigorous security checks and potentially more limitations on what can be sent or said during visits and phone calls.

Young Offenders Institutions

For those in young offenders institutions, maintaining contact is especially important for their development and rehabilitation. However, there might be additional regulations to ensure their safety and well-being.

Conclusion

Maintaining contact with someone in prison is essential for their emotional and psychological well-being. Whether through letters, phone calls, emails, or visits, staying in touch helps support the inmate’s rehabilitation process and strengthens their ties to the outside world.

FAQs

1. How do I address a letter to someone in prison? Include the inmate’s full name, prison number, and the prison’s address. Avoid using staples or paperclips.

2. Can prisoners receive phone calls? No, prisoners cannot receive calls. They can only make outgoing calls to approved contacts.

3. What is the Email a Prisoner service? It’s a service that allows you to send emails to inmates, which are then printed and delivered to them.

4. How do I book a visit to a prison? Visits must be booked in advance either online via the HM Prison and Probation Service website or by contacting the prison directly.

5. Are there special rules for contacting high-security prisoners? Yes, high-security prisons have stricter regulations and more rigorous security checks. If you want to read more about contacting someone in prison read here.

For more information on contacting someone in prison, visit GOV.UK.

Prison Guide Logo

Login To Your Account

Quick Links

Login To Account
Login To Account
Cheaper Prison Calls
Cheaper Prison Calls