Cheap Prison Calls:
Can You Get Free or Affordable Prison Calls in the UK?

Communicating with a loved one in prison can be challenging and expensive, especially when it comes to phone calls. Maintaining regular contact is crucial for both the well-being of the incarcerated individual and their family members. However, the cost of prison calls can be a significant financial burden. In this article, we will explore practical strategies and options to get free or affordable prison calls in the UK, ensuring that you can stay connected without breaking the bank.

Why It's Important To Maintain Contact

Staying in touch with prisoners is vital for several reasons. Regular contact with family and friends can help reduce feelings of isolation, provide emotional support, and improve the mental well-being of prisoners. Research has shown that maintaining family ties can significantly reduce reoffending rates and increase the chances of successful reintegration into society upon release. For many prisoners, phone calls are one of the few lifelines that connect them to the outside world, making affordable access to phone services essential.

The Costs of Prison Calls

Prison phone calls in the UK are typically more expensive than standard calls due to the controlled nature of prison telecommunications systems. Calls are made using prison phones, which are monitored for security reasons, and costs can vary depending on the prison and the type of call (landline or mobile). Calls to landlines are generally cheaper than calls to mobiles, but both can quickly become costly, particularly for families on low incomes.

Prisoners often have limited funds, and families are not always able to top up phone credits regularly. Understanding the available options for reducing these costs is key to maintaining regular communication without financial strain.

Tips for Reducing Prison Phone Call Costs

In addition to accessing available schemes and services, families can take some practical steps to reduce the overall costs of prison phone calls:

Prioritise Landline Calls:
Encourage prisoners to call landlines whenever possible, as these are usually cheaper than calls to mobile phones.

Plan Calls Efficiently:
Scheduling calls at specific times, such as when family members are available and during off-peak hours, can help manage call costs better.

Use Voicemail Services:
Services like Prison Voicemail can be used to leave longer messages that don’t eat into call credits as quickly.

Set A Budget:
Families and prisoners can agree on a weekly or monthly call budget to ensure that credits are used wisely and don’t run out unexpectedly.

Keeping in touch with a loved one in prison doesn’t have to be financially draining. By exploring the various schemes, services, and support options available, families can find ways to make prison calls more affordable or even free. Whether it’s using the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme, accessing charitable support, or utilising innovative services like Prison Voicemail, these options help reduce the costs of staying connected and ensure that prisoners continue to receive the emotional and moral support they need.Maintaining communication is a critical part of the rehabilitation process and helps prisoners stay connected to the outside world. If you or someone you know is struggling with the costs of prison calls, don’t hesitate to reach out to the available resources, as help is often closer than you think.