Information and Advice

Please find below a list of websites which you may find helpful with a list of useful questions and answers.

Useful websites

Offenders’ Families Helpline: 0808 808 2003 and website: www.offendersfamilieshelpline.org

Assisted Prison Visits Unit, PO Box 2152, Birmingham, B15 1SDPhone: 0845 300 1423 (Mon to Fri 10:15-11:45 & 14:15-15:45 Textphone: 0845 304 0800 (times as above) Fax: 0121 626 3474 (24 hrs) Email: assisted.prison.visits@noms.gsi.gov.uk

Prisoners family and friends service: 0800 808 3444 and website:www.pffs.org.uk
Email a prisoner, a fast and easy way to communicate. The website is www.emailaprisoner.com

Support for families suffering because of drug and alchol abuse www.adfam.org.uk

Government website – information for when you are visiting somebody in prison: www.direct.gov.uk/en/AdvancedSearch/Searchresults/index.htm?fullText=prison

The Prison Service is governed by a series of rules, regulations and guidelines known as Prison Service Instructions (PSIs) and Prison Service Orders (PSOs): www.emcett.com/offender/one/prison_service_instructions.html

Parole board hearings - information from a governement website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/Sentencingprisonandprobation/Goingtoprison/DG_196209

Action for Prisoners' Families is a membership organisation for prisoners' and offenders' families and those who work with them. Website: www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk

The Prison Advice & Care Trust (pact) is a charity which supports people affected by imprisonment. We provide practical and emotional support to prisoners' children and families, and to prisoners themselves. Website: www.prisonadvice.org.uk

First Time In Prison. Practical advice for those who may be facing their first prison sentence: www.firsttimeinprison.co.uk

Questions and Answers

How do I arrange a visit?

Visiting procedures vary from prison to prison. It also depends whether the person you are visiting is on remand, or is a convicted prisoner.

To find out what the visiting arrangements are for a particular prison, you can

  1. Contact the Offenders' Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003
  2. Or altrnatively phone the prison directly

Can I take children on prison visits?

Yes, children can come accompanied with an adult for a prison visit. The only exception is if the prisoner has been convicted of a child sex offence; in these cases, special rules apply.

Some prisons have play areas within the prison visits hall. Children then have the opportunity to play and the experience is less traumatic.

Some prisons require you to provide ID for children as well as adults. Check with the prison or Visitors' Centre for advice. Please see the list above.

Can I get any help with the cost of visiting?

Yes, if you are on a low income or you receive benefits, you may be entitled to get help from the government with the cost of visiting your relative in prison. Help is provided by the Assisted Prison Visits Unit (APVU).

For more information about the APVU:

  • ask at the visitors' centre
  • call the APVU on 0845 300 1423

Assisted Prison Visits Unit,PO Box 2152, Birmingham, B15 1SD

Phone: 0845 300 1423 (Mon to Fri 10:15-11:45 & 14:15-15:45)

Textphone: 0845 304 0800 (times as above)

Fax: 0121 626 3474 (24 hrs)

Email: assisted.prison.visits@noms.gsi.gov.uk

What happens on a visit?

  • Does the prison have a Visitors' Centre? If it does go there and talk to staff about what help is available
  • You need to have booked your visit in advance, and you will need to bring the correct ID with you. If you are visiting a convicted prisoner, you also need to bring a Visiting Order (VO)
  • If this is your first visit, you will still need to book the visit in advance, but you might be required to collect the Visiting Order when you arrive (rather than it coming in the post)
  • You have to leave all your possessions in a locker at the prison or visitors' centre - you can't take anything with you except a small amount of money for drinks and snacks
  • When you go inside the prison, you will be searched, and trained sniffer dogs might search you for drugs
  • Then you will go to the visits hall, the person will be in the hall before you get there
  • Some visits halls have play areas for children
  • Some visits halls have a cafe where you can purchase drinks and snacks

Every prison is different. The staff and volunteers at the visitors' centre can tell you in detail what it's like to visit someone at that particular prison.

What can I give the prisoner?

You can give money to a prisoner, but you can't hand it over to them in person - you have to send it in the post, in the form of a postal order or cheque.

You may want to take other items for the prisoner. At most prisons, there is a property desk where visitors can hand in property for a prisoner. Each prison has its own strict rules about how to submit property, and what items can be handed in, so you should check with the prison before doing anything.

I'm worried about my relative - who do I talk to?

If you are worried about a prisoner, please talk to someone straight away.

You can either call the Visitors' Centre, or phone the prison and ask to speak to the Duty Governor or the Orderly Officer.