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  1. FAQs
  2. Keeping in touch with a prisoner

Keeping in touch with a prisoner

There are many ways you can keep in touch with your loved one in prison. For more information on our website please click here.

Can a prisoner call me?

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Prisoners can make outbound calls to you providing they have enough pin credit on their account. 

Published: 1st November, 2020

Updated: 16th February, 2022

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Letters

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You can communicate with your loved one in prison by writing letters to eachother. Each week a prisoner is allowed to send one free letter. If they want to send more than this then they need to purchase stamps and envelopes from the prison canteen. Alternatively, you can post self-addressed stamped envelopes to the prisoner so they can post letters back to you. If a prisoner is on remand then they are allowed to send 2 free letters a week.

Published: 2nd November, 2020

Updated: 16th February, 2022

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Email a prisoner

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You can send emails to a prisoner by signing up to Email a Prisoner. At some prisons you can pay a bit extra and the prisoner can reply via email (staff scan the reply) otherwise, prisoners can only reply by phone call or letter.

Published: 3rd November, 2020

Updated: 16th February, 2022

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Prison Voicemail

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You can leave a voicemail for a prisoner via Prison Voicemail. 

Published: 4th November, 2020

Updated: 16th February, 2022

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Urgent messages

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If you have an urgent message for a prisoner such as informing them of the death of a family member, you can call the prison switchboard and ask to speak to the Prison Chaplain. Prison Chaplains can usually pass on difficult messages like this and offer support to your loved one. 

Published: 5th November, 2020

Updated: 16th February, 2022

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Video calls

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Most prisons now offer Purple Visits video calls. In order to use this service, you will need to register online and then start booking your calls. You can do this by clicking here. 

Published: 6th November, 2020

Updated: 16th February, 2022

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Showing 10 of 6

Latest

  • Using this website

  • Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT)

    Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork – or ACCT – is how we plan support for someone in prison who is at risk of self-harm or suicide.

  • Covid-19: A Letter to Prisoners' Families from Phil Copple, Director General Prisons, HM Prison and Probation Service

    Covid-19: A Letter to Prisoners' Families from Phil Copple, Director General Prisons, HM Prison and Probation Service

  • HMPPS Update to Families – 20 Dec 2021

    HMPPS Update to Families – 20 Dec 2021

    Further to the recent letter from Director General Prisons we want to provide further information to families and loved ones on the way we are managing the risk of Omicron to keep prisoners safe.

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  • Sentence length

    Sentence length

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    Remand in custody

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    Locating a prisoner

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    Visiting prison

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    Release date

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    Transfers

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    Prisoner Categories

  • Property and money

    Property and money

  • Contact our Helpline Team

    Contact our Helpline Team

    We're here to help and support you through your experience with the criminal justice system

  • Recall to prison

    Recall to prison

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The National Prisoners’ Families Helpline is operated by Prison Advice and Care Trust under contract to Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service.

The NICCO website provides information for professionals who come into contact with the children and families of offenders.