How do I contact them?
Pick your situation and get a plan. Phones inside work nothing like phones outside, and knowing the system saves days of silence.
The five ways in, quickest first
- Email a Prisoner: often next working day, about 40p, no approval needed.
- A letter: two to four days with the post, no approval needed. Put your phone number in it, written clearly.
- Their call to you: needs your number approved and credit on their account.
- A video call: booked in advance, usually 30 minutes, free or cheap.
- A visit: on remand, book straight away; convicted, they send you a visiting order first. Money tight? Check if your travel can be paid.
Common questions
Can I ring someone in prison?
No. Calls only go one way: they ring you, from an approved number list, paid from their credit. If you need to get an urgent message in (a death, a serious illness), ring the prison and ask for the chaplaincy or the Safer Custody team.
How does my number get approved?
The person inside submits your name and number on a form (an app). The prison checks it, which normally takes a few days, sometimes a couple of weeks. Until that is done they cannot ring you at all. Writing your number clearly in a letter helps them get it right.
What is Email a Prisoner?
A service (about 40p a message) where you type a message online and the prison prints it and hands it to them, often the next working day. Most prisons take it. Some allow photo attachments and reply sheets. Much faster than post.
How do video calls work?
Most prisons offer video calls booked in advance through the Prison Video app or the prison itself. You need ID and to be on their visitor list. Calls are usually 30 minutes and free or cheap. Good between visits, and vital when the prison is far away.
How do I send money?
Use the free GOV.UK service "Send money to someone in prison". You need their prisoner number and date of birth. The money reaches their account in a few days and pays for phone credit and canteen. Avoid postal orders: slow, and some prisons no longer take them.