book a prison visit online hull

Blog Government Digital Service

https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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Visits and getting to HMP Hull

Social visits are held as follows:

Mon: 09:30 – 11:30 (VPs) & 13:45 – 15:45 (Mains) Fri: 09:30 – 11:30 (Mains) & 13:45 – 15:45 (VPs) Sat: 09:30 – 11:30 (Mains) & 13:45 – 15:45 (VPs) Sun: 09.30 – 11.30 (VPs) 13.45 – 15.45 (Mains)

Visits must be pre-booked at least 24 hours in advance by the visitor. Booking times are 14.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs daily on 01482 282016 or can be booked via email at [email protected] . The e-mails are not actioned over the weekends or on public holidays, so allow at least 1 working days for confirmation of your visit.

There is a children’s play area available every Tuesday, and there is good access for the disabled.

 Getting  to the Prison

The prison is situated two miles east of the city centre, not far from the docks and ferry port. If you are travelling by public transport follow the link and you can get the bus and train connection details, visit the Yorkshire Travel  produced web site, (click here) . It is an excellent way to plan your visits. The basic details are shown below:

• Bus From the bus station take number 76 East Yorkshire bus or number 24 (blue and white bus)
• Train Take a train to Hull (connections via Leeds and Doncaster) and complete the journey either by taxi (a taxi rank is available outside the station) or bus (the bus station is next to the railway station). See above for details of bus journeys.
• Car From London/South: TakeM1 as far as junction 32 and joinM18. At junction 7 joinM62 eastbound, and at junction 38 joinA63 and drive straight into Hull. Once in city centre follow signposts for Ferry Port. The prison is situated along Hedon Road just before the Ferry Port. From Manchester/West: TakeM62 and at junction 38 joinA63 and drive straight into Hull. Once in city centre follow signposts for Ferry Port. The prison is situated alongHedon Road just before the Ferry Port. From Newcastle/North: Once on A1/M1 southbound, travel to junction 33 and join the M62 east bound. At junction 38 join A63 and drive straight into Hull. Once in city centre follow signposts for Ferry Port. The prison is situated along Hedon Road just before the Ferry Port. From the south (via the Humber Bridge): Join the A63 and drive straight into Hull. Once in city centre follow signposts for Ferry Port. The prison is situated along Hedon Road just before the Ferry Port.

Return to Hull

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Guide to Booking Your First Prison Visit

Visiting a loved one in prison can be an emotionally-wrought experience, especially if this is your first time. It’s normal to feel nervous. Here is a comprehensive guide designed to help ease your concerns and answer your questions about booking your first prison visit in the UK:

The Basic Rules

Every prison in the UK has their own set of rules for visits. Generally, you are allowed a certain number of visits in a specified period.

Booking a Visit

You can’t just show up at the prison; you have to book your visitation in advance. The usual method for booking a visit is through the government’s official Prison Visits Booking website. You need to provide the prisoner’s name and prisoner number, and you would also have to provide your own personal details like your full name, contact number, and date of birth.

Visiting Order (VO)

Before visiting a prison, you need to receive a Visiting Order from the prisoner that you plan to visit. This rule, however, may vary depending on the prison’s individual visitation rules.

Identification

When you visit a prison, you’re required to provide a certain level of identification. This typically involves your passport or driving license and utility bills showing your current address. If you don’t provide the right ID, you may not be allowed to visit.

What You Can Bring

The rules about what you can bring into a prison are rigorous. You’re not expected to bring anything in, but if you do, it’s likely to be thoroughly searched.

Searching Process

When you enter a prison, you’ll be searched. This is an essential part of maintaining the safety and security of everyone involved.

• Physical Search: This involves a metal detector and possibly a pat down.
• Biometric Tests: These include fingerprint scans. Your biometric data gets destroyed after your visit.
• Drug Detection Dogs: You may also be screened by drug detection dogs.

What You Can Expect

During your time in the prison, you can expect to see your loved one in a communal area. Visits are typically supervised, though they try to give you some privacy. There might also be a limit to the physical contact you’re allowed with the prisoner.

Remember, prison visits are all about keeping connected with your loved one and offering them moral support. The rules might seem overwhelmingly strict, but they’re there to protect all parties involved. If you’ve got specific concerns or questions, do seek advice from the prison you’re planning to visit or a support network like the Prison Advice and Care Trust.

What is the cheapest way to call from Prison?

Is it cheaper to call a landline from prison.

• The weekly online and monthly printed national newspaper for prisoners and detainees

Search articles and comments

Hmp humber (wolds).

• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Male Cat. C , Prison Visit , Yorkshire & Humberside

Prison information

Address: HMP Humber, Brough, East Yorkshire HU15 2JZ, UK

Switchboard: 01430 428013 Sat & Sun: 01430 428584 Managed by: HMPPS Region: Yorkshire & Humberside Category: Male Local Cat C Link to:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/humber-prison

Description

Humber is a men’s prison in Brough, near Hull, East Yorkshire.

Visit Booking: On-line

Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

• prisoner number
• prisoner’s date of birth
• dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit

Acceptable forms of ID

Search reports

IMB Reports

Prison Inspectorates Reports

Probation Service Reports

Prisons and Probations Ombudsman

Search the InsideTime library

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If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Gary Bultitude at  [email protected]

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• Category C - NEW
• Male Cat. C
• 24th January 2017

HMYOI WARREN HILL

• 4th January 2015

One thought on “ HMP HUMBER (WOLDS) ”

Can u visit with a cast on ur leg?

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Hull Prison

Tel: 01482 282200  –  Hedon Road, Hull, North Humberside HU9 5LS a

HMP Hull first opened in 1870. It was originally designed to house both males and females, before becoming a male borstal in 1950. In 1986 it was converted once more to an adult male category B establishment. The prison is situated 2 miles outside of Hull’s city centre and has a capacity of 1,044, holding remand, sentenced and convicted inmates. If you’re visiting and would like to find out how to get to HMP Hull, you can get directions using the map on this page.

Tel: 01482 282200

Operational capacity: 1044

Hedon Road, Hull, North Humberside HU9 5LS

Calls from HMP Hull are extremely expensive, a simple ten minute phone call from the PINS payphone system at Hull prison will cost an inmate around £4. With limited spends it is very difficult for inmates to maintain family ties whilst in prison.

Prison Phone a social venture to help aid in the maintenance of family ties help to reduce the cost of the same calls by 75% meaning a ten minute call will only cost the inmate a maximum of £1 from their PINS phone credit.

Send me Hull prison details via FREE SMS

Mobile number:

Here’s some facts about Hull Prison

HMP Hull is a category B prison 2 miles outside of the city center of Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire. Opened in 1870 as a unisex borstal, the prison has capacity to hold 1,044 prisoners.

A wing is a psychologically informed planned environment and contains drug recovery units. B, C and H wings hold sentenced and unsentenced adults and young offenders. D wing is the resettlement wing, F wing holds the Wellbeing center, and G wing is the integrated drug treatment unit and induction center. I and J wings hold vulnerable prisoners and sex offenders.

In December 2016, 15 inmates transferred from Birmingham set alight CCTV cameras and injured a senior officer recently after the HMP Birmingham riots.

Visits for main prisoners are 13:45 – 15:45 Monday, Tuesday and Sunday, and 9:30 – 11:30 Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. For vulnerable prisoners, visits are 9:30 – 11:30 Monday and Sunday, and 13:45 – 15:45 Friday and Saturday.

Famous ex-inmates include Charles Bronson and the boxer Paul Sykes.

In 1976, over 100 prisoners rioted in HMP Hull, causing damage to two thirds of the building. Repairs cost approximately £3 to £4million.

HMP Hull was used as a Military Prison in 1939.

Prison Phone offers phone tariffs that reduce the costs of calls from this prison by up to 75%! This enables prisoners to get the support and love that they are missing from home, while reducing costs for the inmate. Find out more below.

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• Prison visitors
• Visitor Centres
• Holme House

Holme House Visitor Centre

HMP Holme House, Holme House Road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 2QU 

Click on the blue question below to see the answers appear underneath. 

Contact details

Visitor centre: 01642 744080   Visitors centre email:  use contact form to email  HERE 

Nepacs helpline: Freephone 0800 012 1539 Monday and Friday 12noon - 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 2pm. Email [email protected] Text 07983 437 457

Prison: 01642 744000

Visits booking: Telephone line 0300 060 6602 (Monday and Wednesday 8.30am to 4.30pm). Email/online: www.gov.uk/prison-visits

Safer custody:  If you have any concerns about a prisoner, please speak to a prison officer, any staff or volunteers at the family support visitors centre or ring the prison switchboard on 01642 744000. You can also contact the prison safer custody team direct on 01642 744 355, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and leave a message.  All information will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.  

How can I book a visit?

All first (reception) visits to see a loved one in HMP Holme House must be booked by telephone (see below).

All other visits (after the initial visit) can be booked either by using the telephone booking line or through the online booking system.

• Visit https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits
• Call 0300 060 6602 - Monday to Wednesday, Friday 8.30am to 4pm 

You can only book a visit if your details are on the prisoner’s contact sheet.

Visitors under the age of 18 years are not allowed a prison visit during the first 72 hours in custody.

All visits must be booked 24 hours before the planned visit and you are able to book a visit maximum of 4 weeks in advance.

The system for booking means you do not need a visiting order. However, you will need a reference number which will be given to you when you book your visit by telephone.

All visitors must be named on the prisoner’s contact list before they can book a visit and all visitors must be present when booking in.

If you are tagged or have been in prison you are not allowed to visit unless you receive written confirmation from the prison. If you receive confirmation in writing you must bring the letter with you on your visit and show it at the portal. 

Photo ID is compulsory. A list of authorised ID is available in the visitors centre or on this website, see below. 

Visitors who require wheel chair assistance will need to add the name of their helper on to the prisoner contact list so that they can assist you during the visit.

When can I visit?

Visits sessions will last around one hour and take place Tuesday to Sunday each week. There are visit slots available mornings, afternoons and evenings.

The visitors centre will open from 12.30pm each week day and 8am on a weekend to enable you to book in for your visits. The centre opens at 4.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for evening visits.

How often am I able to visit?

To maximise visits opportunities and to be fair to all, each resident is currently allowed two visits and two video calls per month.

Who can visit?

Three adults are permitted to visit plus children (under 18 years). Please note that anyone aged 18 and over is classed as an adult when booking a visit.

What ID documents will I need?

Social visitors have the option to present one photographic ID document from List A:

• Identity cards from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country
• UK photocard driving licences
• EU or EEA driving licences
• NI Electoral identity cards
• US passport card
• Proof of age card recognised under PASS with a unique reference number (This includes the Citizen ID card). Remember: Prisoners' families can get a £10 discount on the cost of a Citizen Card when applying online. Contact our helpline for the code.
• Armed forces identity card
• UK biometric residence permit (BRP)

Should they be unable to present an ID document from List A, they may present one ID document from List B, supported by one document from List C:

• Home Office travel document (convention travel document, stateless person’s document, one-way document or certificate of travel)
• Older person’s bus pass
• Freedom Pass
• Proof of age card recognised under the Proof of Age Standards
• Scheme (PASS) without a unique reference number (please refer to List A where a unique reference number is present)
• Birth or adoption certificate
• Education certificate from a regulated and recognised educational institution (such as an NVQ, SQA, GCSE, A level or degree certificate)
• Rental or purchase agreement for a residential property (signed and dated)
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Bank, building society or credit union current account card (on which the claimed identity is shown)

Persons under the age of 16 years do not need ID.

All forms of ID must be originals, photocopies will not be accepted. If visitors fail to bring identification they will not be allowed into the prison and please ensure that you bring ID that provides proof of residence.

How can I get there?

From Stockton High Street, number 13 from stand 16 at 29 minutes past and 59 minutes to.

From Middlesbrough bus station, from stand 20 get the number 13 bus and get off at Asda round-about.

From the south, travel north bound on the A19, take the A1046 (Portrack Lane) exit for Stockton.

From the north, travel south bound on the A19, take the A1046 (Portrack Lane) Haverton Hill/Stockton exit.

At the ASDA roundabout, turn right onto Holme House Road. A car park is available at the Visitors' Centre.

Is there a dress code?

HMP Holme House requests that visitors are of an acceptable standard of dress when visiting. Visitors to HMP Holme House must be dressed appropriately at all times, this reflects their aims to create a family atmosphere as part of their reducing reoffending and decency agenda.

This applies to all visitors regardless of age and gender.

Please note if you are unable to meet the requirements of the dress code, on arrival you will not be permitted to enter the establishment until you have changed into alternative appropriate clothing.

The following types of clothing are not permitted: • Short/cropped tops that reveal a naked midriff. • Low cut tops or unbuttoned tops that display a cleavage or bare chest. • Shorts, dresses and skirts must be of knee length. • Any clothing with rips or tears. • Headwear other than for religious purposes - these will be subject to searching as per Holme House searching policy. • Footwear with protective toe caps. • Knee length boots. • Any item with offensive patterns or logos (such as cannabis leaves, racist logos or offensive language).

All clothing should be of a type that allows staff to carry out the level required for searching without difficulty.

In addition the following articles are not allowed in the establishment: • Any clothing fitted with large buckles, chains and / or excessive amounts of zips. • Belts with large buckles. • Hats. • Scarves. • Ponchos. • Gloves. • Watches, large earrings, rings and necklaces, broaches. • Headbands. • Sunglasses.

Please note it is a criminal offence to bring a mobile phone into a prison.

Locker facilities are located in the visitors centre for outer garments and personal effects.

Visitors are reminded that staff are required to search visitors as a condition of entry and that all visits take place at the discretion of the visits manager.  

Where can I wait when I arrive for my visit?

When you arrive at the prison you must go to the visitors’ centre.

The visitors centre will open from 12.30pm each week day and 8am on a weekend. The centre will open at 4.30pm for evening visits.

On arrival at the visitors’ centre you will register at the office where the prison visits process will be explained and an information pack will be emailed to you.

We have a range of facilities in the centre including:

- toilets including a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities

- quiet room for confidential conversations

- play area for young children inside and outside the centre

We are not currently providing refreshments in the visitors centre but you are able to purchase reward bags for enhanced prisoners. Please ask in the visitors centre for details.

All visitors, aged 1 and over, will have their photo taken on their first visit. If you have previously visited please note that all children aged 1 and over will now need to have their photo taken and this will take place on your next visit.

Will I be searched?

You will be asked to remove outdoor clothing, shoes, belts and multiple layers for examination.

You will then pass through a body scanner and maybe searched. There may also be a drug detection dog in the visits area.

The prison also has a full body scanner in Visits for the prisoners. The scanner is part of their Drug Recovery Prison (DRP) work to create a more decent, safe and secure environment by reducing the number of illicit articles in Holme House. 

What can I take with me into the prison?

You can only take the following into the prison visits hall:

Up to £20 in coins to purchase items from the tea bar

Everything else is to be left in your locker in the visitors centre.

No scarves/watches can be worn on your visit. Only small stud earrings and wedding/engagement rings can be worn in the prison. 

Please ensure you have a £1 coin for your locker.

Can I take anything for the person I am visiting?

No - you are not allowed to bring or post anything in for the prisoner.

Any clothing or other items that the prisoner needs must be ordered through the prison canteen.

However, all prisoners who have served under 30 days from coming into custody will be eligible to receive an “Early Days Clothing Parcel” from family/friends on their contact list. Please be mindful that this is not 30 days from when arriving in Holme House but 30 days from when first coming into custody at whichever establishment. If a prisoner is eligible for an Early Days Clothing Parcel they will be notified on arrival at the prison and the process will be explained. 

Can I get help with the cost of visiting?

You may be able to claim travel expenses if you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits.

Please ask at the desk in the Visitors’ Centre for details of the Help with Prison Visits Scheme before commencing your visit.  Staff can help you complete the form.  

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-prison-visits

If you have problems accessing the website ask the visitors centre for support. More information HERE.

What facilities are there for children?

Our play area in the visitor centre is open and we have a play area outside, for children to use when waiting for a visit.

In the visits hall we have a play area for younger children and a youth zone for older children.  

Parents and guardians remain responsible for children at all times and must ensure that children remain in their seat during the visits, as much as possible unless they are using the play area or youth zone.

If you have children aged 8 to 17 years our regional youth project HERE  are here to help and can provide telephone, face to face or online support.

Activity packs wll be available during visits or to take home with them after the visit. Please ask in the visitors centre.

Do you run any special family visits?

Special family visits take place during school holidays, which give children or families the opportunity to spend quality time with their iloved one in prison. Ask in the visitors centre for information on these visits.

The prisoner will need to apply to go on these visits using the kiosk.

Can I have a video call with the prisoner?

Video calls are available for prisoners and their families/contacts at HMP Holme House.

Each video call is 30 minutes in duration.

At the moment, to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to have one, the calls are limited to two per month.

Four people can be on the call, but the lead caller must be over 18 years old.

The costs of the video calls are currently free.

Families and friends can access the service by downloading the “Prison Video” app on their smartphone or tablet – the rest of the instructions are clear from the app. Details on how to get started are HERE.

What items can I send to the prisoner?

You are not allowed to post anything in for the prisoner. Any clothing or other items that the prisoner needs must be ordered through the prison canteen.

You can send letters and photos but any greetings cards must come direct from Funky Pigeon, Moon Pig or Jail Mail. All correspondence is being photocopied and the photocopy will be passed onto the prisoner. Please use black or blue ink only and do not use glitter.

You are no longer allowed to send stamped addressed envelope or stamps to a prisoner.

Sending in photos through PIXNOW

It is now possible for friends and loved ones to share photos with someone currently in the prison.

To get started, visit https://sendphotos-hmpholmehouse.co.uk and follow the instructions provided.

If you have any questions please telephone the visitors’ centre on telephone 01642 744080.

How can I send money to the prisoner?

Family and friends are able to log on to an online electronic system to send money to a prisoner. 

For more information and to arrange transfer of money to a prisoner visit  https://www.gov.uk/send-prisoner-money

When you log in you will need to set up a ‘payee’ very much like you would when you do your internet banking.  To do this you need the prisoner’s number and date of birth.  

Once the money has been approved it should appear within 1-3 days in the prisoner’s bank account.

You are no longer able to send cheques, postal orders and cash into the prisoner.

If you cannot use the online service you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

- are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet - do not have a debit card This will allow you to send money by post.

Visit the website for more information on how to request an exemption or ask in the visitors centre.

How can I keep in touch with a prisoner?

Prisoners are able to telephone or write to their loved ones.

Family members/loved ones can also send in letters and photos but any greetings cards must come direct from Funky Pigeon, Moon Pig or Jail Mate.

All correspondence is being photocopied and the photocopy will be passed onto the prisoner. Please use black or blue ink only and do not use glitter.

You are no longer able to send stamped addressed envelopes or stamps for the prisoner.

You can also contact the prisoner using the following:

- Email a prisoner service. Find out more here: www.emailaprisoner.com

- Prison Voicemail.  For more information and the costs associated with this, click here.

- Video call via P rison Video  - see more information under: 'Can I have a video call with the prisoner?'

Is there someone I can talk to?

We hold regular sessions (called Visitors’ Voice) where visitors’ get together to support each other. On occasions a representative from the prison attends to explain what happens within different departments and to answer questions. Check forthcoming dates in the centre.

We also offer a listening ear and friendly support. If you are feeling upset or confused about visiting, or need someone to talk please ring us on 01642 744080 and leave a message and we will get back to you.

Who do I contact if I have concerns about a prisoner?

If you think the prisoner is at immediate risk please call the switchboard on 01642 744000 and ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency. 

If your concern is urgent but not life-threatening, please call the Safer Custody Helpline - 01642 774 355 or contact the prison safer custody team using the web form (the team will pick up all contact forms within 72 hours): https://www.prisonersfamilies.org/hmp-holme-house

You can also fill in a concern slip in the Visitors’ Centre.

Our Nepacs visitors centre and family support teams are also available to help with any issues that you may be finding difficult during this time or if you have any concerns about a loved one in the prison. They can be contacted by telephone 01642 744080 or 01642 744418 (between office hours only). 

What healthcare is available for prisoners?

There are doctors, nurses, mental health workers, drug and alcohol recovery teams and there is a pharmacy within the prison

The healthcare service in all seven north east prisons is ran by Reconnected to Health which is made up of Spectrum, Humankind and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. Spectrum have a section on their website with the answers to the most common questions families ask about healthcare:

https://spectrumhealth.org.uk/health-and-justice/faqs-for-families/

Who can I contact if our family needs support?

If you or your family have any additional needs please contact the Nepacs’ family support team by telephone 01642 744418 or the visitors centre on 01642 744304. 

The Nepacs’ family support team at HMP Holme House can work with a prisoner and their family to:

• Provide advice and support to families to reduce barriers to visiting
• Signpost families to relevant community services
• Assist to establish or maintain family bonds
• Mediate reconciliation with family members
• Provide support in gaining access to children
• Support with practical issues such as transport and childcare
• Offer emotional support
• Provide help to access special family days and father-child visits, including after-school clubs
• Help access financial support for travel and family hardships
• Support in preparing for home leave and release - including our Heading Home re:connect and re:settle programmes (which support prisoners and families before release)

We hold regular sessions (called Visitors’ Voice) where visitors’ get together to support each other. On occasions a representative from the prison attends to explain what happens within different departments and to answer questions. Your visitors can check forthcoming dates in the visitors’ centre or find out more HERE.

For more information about visiting please get in touch with the visitors’ centre on 01642 744080.

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The Good Book of Prisons

What's good in prisons across England & Wales

The Governor rated staff-prisoner relationships as the best he had seen and drew attention to thank you letters from prisoners displayed in the admin corridor. He described the prison as safe and noted that Hull had not experienced the increase in violence seen in many other establishments. The Governor also highlighted support for prisoners and families, including monthly ‘family days’, links with the local community, and an annual open day for the families of staff.

Custodial Managers rated staff-prisoner relationships and highlighted safety and control as positives. They highlighted the additional training offered to new recruits after completing their initial training, and ongoing training for existing staff. They also rated support for prisoners’ families, including monthly family days, homework club and breakfast club, as well as the crisis unit for prisoners with complex needs and mental health issues, and the palliative care suite for end of life care.

Staff rated many of the same things as the CMs. They highlighted safety and positive relationships with prisoners. They described a strong and supportive team ethic and collective pride among the staff, and praised support from management and the introduction of staff well-being days, as well as staff training. They too also noted support for prisoners and families as a positive.

Prisoners were especially positive about the support offered to prisoners and families, praising the work of a specialist family liaison officer, the regular family days, and the introduction of a breakfast club and homework club. They also rated time out of cell, and singled out the drug recovery wing for praise.

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Life behind bars: 'Prisoner's handbook' reveals how inmates live at HMP Hull

It details everything from their reward system to what they are allowed in their cells

• 17:44, 11 JAN 2020

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It gives details of how to get your hands on treats, when you can socialise and even some of the local bus routes - but it is not an introductory brochure for an east coast holiday park.

Far from being in place to help you settle in for a week away, the information is actually part of a "Prisoners Handbook" handed out to men doing time at Hull Prison.

The huge 25-page booklet takes prisoners through what happens on their first day at HMP Hull, from having their fingerprints taken and being searched to spending their first night in a temporary cell.

The guide also warns that "prisoners may hurt you or make you do things you don’t want to do" if you get into debt with them, as well as listing when and how loved ones can be contacted.

Hull Prison is a category B, male-only facility, in Hedon Road and the handbook kicks off with a rundown of how to get there by car and bus, even dropping in some touristy tips on its proximity from the city centre and the Port of Hull.

The guide, which is broken down into simple chunks for prisoners to understand, is available from the HMP Hull website, detailing everything they would need to know for their time behind bars.

The first day inside

It reveals that, after reporting to the prison reception, new inmates face a long list of things that need to do before they can settle in.

These include:

• An identity check
• Presented with an identity card
• Belongings taken off you
• Search by a prison officer, including being given clothes
• Health check
• Interview with the Drug and Alcohol Service
• Phone call to a family member or legal advisor
• Adding contacts to phone list
• Given toiletries, bedding and meal
• Taken to a temporary cell which may be shared with another prisoner

The following morning there is a further health check, according to the document.

Prison rules

It also lists the rules prisoners must live by during their time inside.

Some of the rules at HMP Hull, laid out in the handbook, are:

• Do not hurt anyone, say mean things, or scare people
• Do not take or damage other people's things
• Drugs, alcohol and mobile phones are forbidden
• Only take drugs prescribed to you by medical staff
• Do not give someone else your medicine
• Do not wear black clothing, because prison officers wear a black uniform
• Keep your body clean and wear suitable clothes
• Keep the prison and your cell clean and tidy

While behaviour might not feel like a priority when an inmate gets put away, keeping on the right side of the rules has its perks in Hull.

How behaviour is judged

The handbook reveals there are four levels of behaviour that earn inmates different benefits including more visits from loved ones, more time to socialise and exercise, more money to spend in the canteen and even a TV in their cell.

It shows that prisoners begin at "entry level"  but can progress to "standard level" within 14 days of becoming a prisoner if they follow the rules. Above that, "enhanced level", the highest rating, gives the best rewards and privileges.

However, the worst rule breakers will find themselves at the other end of the scale. "Basic level" is the lowest rating and is reserved for inmates who "break rules often or very seriously".

What is allowed in cells

As well as being granted permission to have a TV if behaviour is good, there are a number of other items that are allowed to be kept in cells. These include:

• Music players
• Religious items

However, things including drugs, alcohol and mobile phones are strictly banned.

Food and activities

The document also reveals where and how meals are accessed.

All meals are consumed within prisoners' cells at HMP Hull and are ordered every Wednesday, planning for the week ahead.

The prison shop is also open every Wednesday for items to be bought from a special "canteen list" - however these are not delivered until Sunday.

Meanwhile, exercise is a regular option for inmates. They are allowed to exercise "most days".

They are also allowed a weekly visit to the prison library to read and borrow books, as well as access newspapers and magazines.

Work and education

"You will need to work whilst you are in prison unless you are on remand. You will be paid for the work you do," according to the introductory booklet.

"The work you do will depend on your skills and what work is available. There may not always be jobs you can do."

All inmates must also take part in English and maths classes, unless they already have a basic qualification.

Classes including cookery, woodwork and graphics are also available.

A typical day behind bars

It also reveals what a typical day is like for inmates at Hull Prison.

The timings are as follows:

• 8am - Cell door unlocked
• 8.20am - Morning medication
• 8.30am - Move to work or education
• 8.45am - Roll check, anyone not in work or education is locked in their cells
• 11.40am - Lunch time
• 1.30pm - Return to work or education
• 2pm - Roll check
• 4.30pm - Tea time and socialising time
• 5pm - Evening medication
• 5pm - Locked in cell for the evening

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Book a visit to prison

You will need to book a visit if you want to see someone in prison. You can book online to arrange an in person visit or a virtual visit with a prisoner or you can telephone the prison Visits Booking Office.

If you haven't visited a prison before you will need to phone to book your visit. You will be provided with your unique visitor identification number. Once  you have this you can start to book online.

Booking online

To book online for an in person visit or a virtual visit you will need:  

• to have previously booked a visit
• the visit reference number for the prisoner
• the prisoner's number
• your unique visitor identification number
• your date of birth
• your e-mail address and contact number
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors (not needed for a virtual visit)

If you do not have these details, you should phone the relevant booking office.

Booking by telephone

To book a visit by telephone you will need:

• the visit reference number for the prisoner 
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors

If you don't have a unique visitor identification number, you can get one from the booking office which you can use for future visits.

If the person you are visiting has just arrived in prison you will need to ring the booking office and they can arrange a visit.

Virtual visits

A virtual visit can last up to 20 minutes. The visitor can use a personal computer, mobile device or smartphone to have this meeting with the prisoner.

All virtual visits are supervised, if NIPS become aware of any behaviour, language or actions which are considered inappropriate, this will result in the visit ending early and possible removal of the facility in the future.

• Guide to arranging an online visit
• Privacy notice  explaining your rights to privacy when you arrange an online visit

Registering for visits

All visitors need to be registered in the prison they are visiting. When you arrive at Visits Reception you need to be photographed, have a scan taken of your finger and you should bring identification.

• more information about registering for visits

Bringing proof of identification to prison

When you first visit someone in prison, you will need to be registered on the prison system as a visitor. You will need to bring proof of identification with you when you are being registered.

• more information about the types of identification needed

Useful links

• Visiting someone in prison

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2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is an urgent and growing public health crisis. More than 49,000 people in the United States died by suicide in 2022. That’s one death every 11 minutes.

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

The 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention is a bold new 10-year, comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to suicide prevention that provides concrete recommendations for addressing gaps in the suicide prevention field. This coordinated and comprehensive approach to suicide prevention at the national, state, tribal, local, and territorial levels relies upon critical partnerships across the public and private sectors. People with lived experience are critical to the success of this work. 

 The National Strategy seeks to prevent suicide risk in the first place; identify and support people with increased risk through treatment and crisis intervention; prevent reattempts; promote long-term recovery; and support survivors of suicide loss. 

Four strategic directions guide the National Strategy:

Strategic Direction 1: Community-Based Suicide Prevention

Goal 1: Establish effective, broad-based, collaborative, and sustainable suicide prevention partnerships.

Goal 2: Support upstream comprehensive community-based suicide prevention.

Goal 3: Reduce access to lethal means among people at risk of suicide.

Goal 4: Conduct postvention and support people with suicide-centered lived experience.

Goal 5: Integrate suicide prevention into the culture of the workplace and into other community settings.

Goal 6: Build and sustain suicide prevention infrastructure at the state, tribal, local, and territorial levels.

Goal 7: Implement research-informed suicide prevention communication activities in diverse populations using best practices from communication science.

Strategic Direction 2: Treatment and Crisis Services

Goal 8: Implement effective suicide prevention services as a core component of health care.

Goal 9: Improve the quality and accessibility of crisis care services across all communities.

Strategic Direction 3: Surveillance, Quality Improvement, and Research

Goal 10: Improve the quality, timeliness, scope, usefulness, and accessibility of data needed for suicide-related surveillance, research, evaluation, and quality improvement.

Goal 11: Promote and support research on suicide prevention.

Strategic Direction 4: Health Equity in Suicide Prevention

Goal 12: Embed health equity into all comprehensive suicide prevention activities.

Goal 13: Implement comprehensive suicide prevention strategies for populations disproportionately affected by suicide, with a focus on historically marginalized communities, persons with suicide-centered lived experience, and youth.

Goal 14: Create an equitable and diverse suicide prevention workforce that is equipped and supported to address the needs of the communities they serve.

Goal 15: Improve and expand effective suicide prevention programs for populations disproportionately impacted by suicide across the life span through improved data, research, and evaluation.

Federal Action Plan

The Federal Action Plan identifies more than 200 actions across the federal government to be taken over the next three years in support of those goals. These actions include:

• Evaluating promising community-based suicide prevention strategies
• Identifying ways to address substance use/overdose and suicide risk together in the clinical setting
• Funding a mobile crisis locator for use by 988 crisis centers
• Increasing support for survivors of suicide loss and others whose lives have been impacted by suicide

These actions will be monitored and evaluated regularly to determine progress and success, and to further identify barriers to suicide prevention.

Get Involved

Join the conversation. Everyone has a role to play in preventing the tragedy of suicide. Find social media material, templates, and other resources to support and participate in the shared effort.

Read the press release

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• Crime, justice and law
• Prisons and probation
• Management of security at visits Policy Framework: Open estate
• HM Prison & Probation Service
• Ministry of Justice

Acceptable forms of identification (ID) when visiting a prison in England and Wales (Annex A)

Updated 30 May 2023

Applies to England and Wales

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/management-of-security-at-visits-policy-framework-open-estate/acceptable-forms-of-identification-id-when-visiting-a-prison-in-england-and-wales-annex-a

Below is Annex A, part of the HMPPS policy, Management of security at visits Policy Framework: Open estate

All visitors to prisons in England and Wales, other than accompanied children under the age of 16, whether visiting for social, or official purposes, are required to prove their identity before entry.

This list defines the accepted forms of ID when visiting a prison in England and Wales.

Visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, who must adhere to the ID requirement set out above. The accompanying adult has responsibility for the child, supporting the child’s relationship with the prisoner, and for giving assurances of the child’s identity.

You may use any one form of ID from List A .

If you are unable to do this, you can use one document from List B and one form of ID from List C .

If you are unable to produce any forms of ID from these lists, you may still be able to apply under exceptional circumstances .

You are likely to be turned away from the prison if you are unable to produce any of the required ID documents at the time of your visit, or if you have not made arrangements with the prison, prior to your visit.

• identity cards from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country
• UK photocard driving licences
• EU or EEA driving licences
• NI Electoral identity cards
• a US passport card
• a proof of age card recognised under PASS with a unique reference number (This includes the Citizen ID card)
• an armed forces identity card
• a UK biometric residence permit (BRP)

One form of ID from this list, together with list C.

• a Home Office travel document (convention travel document, stateless person’s document, one-way document or certificate of travel)
• an older person’s bus pass
• a Freedom Pass
• a proof of age card recognised under the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) without a unique reference number (please refer to List A where a unique reference number is present)

One form of ID from this list, together with list B.

• a birth or adoption certificate
• an education certificate from a regulated and recognised educational institution (such as an NVQ, SQA, GCSE, A level or degree certificate)
• a rental or purchase agreement for a residential property (signed and dated)
• a marriage or civil partnership certificate
• a bank, building society or credit union current account card (on which the claimed identity is shown)

4. Exceptional Circumstances

If you do not have access to the above listed ID , you may still be able to attend a visit with advanced permission from the prison. Please contact the prison direct to arrange this. Contact details for prisons are available on the prison information pages .

5. Official Visitors - Acceptable Forms of Identification

The following documents are examples of acceptable forms of identification for professional visitors:

• Members of either House of Parliament: Houses of Parliament ID card or HMG ID cards;
• Legal advisers: Identification document from the above List A, or from Lists B and C. This must be in conjunction with either a. a headed document from their legal practice stating that they are representing the prisoner they are requesting to visit, or b. should they not yet be representing the prisoner, a headed document from their legal practice explaining the purpose of the visit
• Police, UK Border Agency and HM Revenue & Customs officers: warrant card
• Probation and Youth Offending Team officers: probation / YOT department ID card
• Staff from other prisons, HQ, the Children’s & Young People’s Secure Estate, the inspectorates (including Lay Observers) or Home Office: photo security pass issued by (or on behalf of) Ministry of Justice, HMPPS, or Home Office
• Consular officials: consular ID card
• Other public officials: departmental or local authority pass or ID card (but must show the name of the visitor and the name of the department or local authority)
• Social workers: social worker identification cards
• Researchers: Security Photo pass or official letter (visits must be pre-arranged)
• Healthcare staff: NHS photographic identification badge/card or independent sector healthcare photographic identification badge/card

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