Email a Prisoner: How It Works in the UK
If you’ve got someone inside, you already know the drill: phone calls are short, letters are slow, and visits get knocked about by shifts, staff shortages and trains that never seem to run on time. The one channel that cuts through a lot of that waiting is Email a Prisoner — not quite instant, not glamorous, but reliable. Here’s the plain-English version of how it works, what it costs, and the small tricks that make a difference.
What “Email a Prisoner” actually is
Think of it as a digital shortcut to the prison mail room. You write a message online, pay a small fee, and the prison prints it and hands it over with the rest of the post. No, prisoners don’t get internet access; they read your message on paper. In a lot of establishments they can send a reply via the system too — more on that below.
What you’ll need before you start
You’ll need an account and your person’s details — name and prisoner number, plus the prison they’re in. Without the number the system can’t match your message to them. Once you’re registered, you add credit and you’re away.
How to send (step by step, without the faff)
Log in, pick the right prison, type your message, and hit send. There’s a character limit, so keep it tight and readable. If the prison supports it, you can tick a box to pay for a reply sheet so they can message you back through the system. Some places also allow photo attachments for an extra fee — helpful for birthdays and kids’ milestones — but it depends on local rules.
Delivery times (the honest version)
On a smooth day it’s quick: messages sent in the morning often land the same day. Weekends, staff shortages, or a cranky printer can nudge delivery to the next working day. It’s still usually faster than posting a letter.
Micro-tip
If it’s urgent, send early in the day and keep it short. Short messages print faster and are less likely to spill onto a second page.
Replies, photos and extras
Replies are simple where the function is enabled: you pay for a reply when you send your message, the prisoner gets a single-use reply sheet, writes their answer, and staff scan it back to your account. Photos are allowed in some prisons (with limits on how many and what’s acceptable). If photos are supported, stick to family snaps — no group shots of people who haven’t consented, no club flyers, nothing that will get blocked at screening.
What it costs (and why it varies)
Messages are inexpensive — usually around the forty-pence mark per email — with any optional extras (like replies or photos where available) costing a little more. Prices can vary slightly by establishment and provider updates, so check the total on the payment screen before you press send. It’s still cheaper than a first-class stamp and nearly always quicker.
What you can’t send (save yourself the headache)
Messages are screened. Anything abusive, threatening, or that looks like it’s trying to pass contraband instructions will be stopped. Don’t include banking details, logins, or anything you wouldn’t put on a postcard. If a message breaks the rules, it won’t be delivered — and repeated breaches can see your account restricted.
What to write (so it actually helps)
Short, regular notes beat long, once-a-month essays. Share normal life: school runs, the dog being a menace, a friend’s new job, a TV recommendation. Ask simple, practical questions: “Do you need numbers adding to your phone list?” “Any forms I can chase?” If you’re sending news that might land hard, keep it clear and kind — they’ll likely be reading it in a public space.
Keeping a rhythm
Pick two or three set days each week and stick to them. Predictable messages help people inside mark time and reduce the anxious wait by the door at mail call. If you’re tight on money, alternate: one email midweek, one letter at the weekend.
When things go wrong
Occasionally messages lag or don’t show up in the usual window. Start by checking your account status and the prison’s service availability. If a message hasn’t landed after a couple of working days, contact the service helpdesk. If you’re worried about someone’s safety, call the prison directly and ask for safer custody — email isn’t the right channel for emergencies.
Micro-tip
Put the prisoner’s number at the top of every message. If pages get separated in the print room, that line saves time.
Quick answers: Email a Prisoner FAQs
Is every UK prison on the system?
Most are. Coverage is now extremely wide across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you can’t find a prison in the list when you log in, check back later — availability does expand.
How long can my message be?
There’s a firm character limit (roughly the length of a short letter). If you run over, the system will warn you and may charge for additional pages. Keep it punchy: greetings, a couple of updates, a clear question.
Can they reply to my email?
Often, yes — where the reply option is enabled and you’ve paid for it. Replies are paper-based inside the prison and then scanned back to your account.
Can I send photos?
Sometimes. Photo attachments are allowed in participating prisons with strict content rules and limits. The system will tell you if your person’s prison accepts them.
What about security checks?
All messages are screened by staff. Legal correspondence follows different rules; if in doubt, ask the prison how to send legal mail correctly.
In summary
Email a Prisoner won’t replace a hug in the visits hall, but it keeps the thread tight between you and the person you care about. A few lines, sent regularly, can turn a hard day into a bearable one. Keep it simple, keep it kind, and keep it coming.
