Frequently asked questions

Questions prisoners' families often ask

My relative has just been sentenced in court and taken to prison. When will I hear from him/her again?

Do not expect to hear from him straight away, it may take up to a week and sometimes a little longer. There are reasons for this. Please call 01743 245365 (UK only) or email info@sharp-uk.org for more details.

When can I visit my relative in prison?

All visits must be arranged beforehand with the prison.You will have to wait for your relative to send you a 'visiting order'. This can arrive within a few days but usually takes between one and two weeks.

How do I book a visit?

Wait for your visiting order to arrive and read it carefully. There will be a telephone number for you to call to arrange your visit in advance with the prison.

How often can I visit?

Unfortunately only twice a month at first. This increases as prisoners gain privileges for good behaviour.

Can I get help towards the cost of travelling to the prison?

Yes you can, providing that you are receiving certain benefits. Please call 01743 245365 (UK only) or email info@sharp-uk.org for more details.

How can I find out how to get to the prison?

You could phone the prison and ask them for the information. Alternatively, you can contact us on 01743 245365 (UK only) and we will explain everything over the phone to you or send you the details by post.

Can my children visit?

Yes, if they are the dependants of the prisoner or if they are over the age of 18. (There are exceptions.) Please call 01743 245365 (UK only) or email info@sharp-uk.org for more details.

What can I take in with me on my visits?

The easiest answer is nothing but loose change. Visitors may buy prisoners drinks and food whilst in the visitors room, but they must be consumed before they return to their cells. Cigarettes, money and phone cards are not allowed.

Can I send money in to the prison?

Yes you can. Cheques and Postal Orders can be sent in and should be made payable to the Governor with the prisoner's full name and prison number written underneath. If the prisoner is at a private prison, they should be made out to the Director. Please note that cheques can take up to 10 days to clear before the prisoner receives the money into his/her personal account. On the reverse of the cheque or postal order you must write the name and address of the sender. Keep the counterfoil from the postal order. Address the envelope containing the money to the prisoner. 

What can I send to inmates in the post?

This often differs from prison to prison. It would be best for you to call us 01743 245365 (UK only) or email info@sharp-uk.org and ask us to find out about a particular prison.

How often am I allowed to write?

You can write as often as you like, there is no limit to the amount of letters that a prisoner can receive.

My relative has only just been sent to prison, why is he being moved already?

After leaving the court prisoners are very often taken to what is known as a 'holding' prison. They will only remain there until a placement becomes available for them at a suitable prison (one of the correct category).

What are prison categories?

Prisons have categories from A to D. Category A prisons are extremely high security establishments for high risk offenders and category D prisons are open prisons. Most offenders will be taken to a category B or C prison depending on their offence. The aim is to work their way through the categories until they reach a category D open prison which is intended to prepare them for their return to society.

What sort of things can my relative do whilst in prison?

Your relative will tend to be quite busy working within the prison to earn money to purchase items such as shower gel, deodorant, shampoo and of course tobacco or food items. There are many things that your loved one can do in their spare time. Most prisons have excellent educational and sports facilities. If they are not interested in education then there are varied courses in practical subjects such as wood and metalwork, and there are also many groups covering a wide range of interests that they may join.