Our insights and guide on the options UK inmates have to make contact
Start Saving Today For £19.99/MonthStaying connected with someone who is in prison is vital for maintaining relationships and providing emotional support during challenging times. When a loved one is in prison, regular communication can help sustain their mental well-being and reinforce the bond between them and their family or friends. However, the costs associated with prison communication can be overwhelming, making it essential to find affordable ways to stay in touch. This guide explores various methods of communication, such as cheap prison calls, emails, letters, video calls, and social visits, while offering practical advice on how to keep in contact without breaking the bank. We’ll also discuss various services like Email a Prisoner UK and how you can send a message to any UK prison to facilitate smoother communication.
Phone calls are one of the most direct methods of staying in touch with someone in prison. However, the process and cost involved can be a deterrent for many families. Prisoners can only make calls to people on their approved list of friends and family. This list is thoroughly checked and verified by prison security, which can delay the first phone call by several days after the prisoner’s arrival.
Most calls from prison are monitored and recorded by staff to ensure security. The exceptions are calls made to legal advisers, which are kept confidential. The high cost of prison phone calls has long been a concern for families and advocacy groups, as it can limit the frequency of communication. Thankfully, services offering cheap prison calls have become more widespread, allowing families to stay connected without the heavy financial burden.
One such service involves providing a local landline number that is linked to your mobile or home phone. When the prisoner calls this local number, it forwards the call to your chosen device, drastically reducing the per-minute cost. This method can lead to significant savings—sometimes up to £100 per month—making it easier to maintain regular communication.
For those looking for an alternative to live phone calls, the Prison Voicemail service offers a flexible solution. This service allows you to exchange voice messages with your loved one, providing a less time-sensitive way to communicate. This can be particularly useful when schedules do not align, and you want to ensure consistent contact without worrying about missed calls.
In today’s digital world, email is a quick and convenient way to communicate. However, prisoners do not have direct access to email or social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Instead, there is a service known as Email a Prisoner, which allows you to send emails to your loved one. The message is printed out by prison staff and delivered to the prisoner in physical form.
Using the Email a Prisoner is relatively inexpensive, with each email costing around 40p. You will need to purchase credits to use this service. In some prisons, the Email a Prisoner UK service also allows prisoners to reply to your emails, and they may even be able to attach a photo. This interactive element can be crucial for maintaining a more personal connection, especially when phone calls are not possible.
However, the availability of replies through Email a Prisoner varies by prison, so it’s important to check if this service is offered where your loved one is incarcerated. This method of communication is ideal for sending frequent updates or when you need to share important news quickly, as it’s faster than sending a traditional letter.
The Email a Prisoner service is also a secure way to communicate, as all messages are screened by prison staff before being delivered. This ensures that no inappropriate content is exchanged, maintaining the safety and security of both the prisoner and the facility. While this level of monitoring may seem intrusive, it is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Despite the rise of digital communication, traditional letter writing remains a deeply personal and cherished way to stay in touch with someone in prison. Writing letters allows for a more thoughtful and reflective exchange, giving both you and your loved one the opportunity to express yourselves fully.
There is usually no limit to the number of letters you can send, but it is important to include the prisoner’s number on the envelope to ensure that it reaches them. Most letters sent to and from prison are checked by staff, although legal letters are generally not opened unless there is suspicion that they are not genuinely from a legal adviser.
If you believe that your letters are being read when they shouldn’t be, or if they are not reaching the prisoner, you have the right to file a complaint with the prison. While the monitoring of letters can feel intrusive, it is in place to ensure the security of the prison and its inmates.
Writing letters is a cost-effective way to maintain regular communication. Unlike phone calls or emails, there is no charge per letter, making it an accessible option for those who may be on a tight budget. Moreover, receiving a handwritten letter can be a significant morale booster for someone in prison, providing them with a tangible connection to the outside world.
Video calls offer a unique and personal way to connect with a loved one in prison, allowing you to see each other face-to-face. This method of communication can be particularly meaningful, as it allows for a more intimate and engaging interaction than a phone call or letter.
Not all prisons offer video calls, so it’s essential to check whether this service is available at the facility where your loved one is held. Typically, prisoners are allowed one free video call per month, and each call can last up to 30 minutes. To make a video call, you must be on the prisoner’s approved list of friends and family. Additionally, you can invite up to three other people to join the call, provided they are also on the prisoner’s visitor list.
To get started with video calls, you’ll need to install a specific app on your mobile phone or tablet. The verification process for the app can take up to 24 hours, so it’s important to set this up in advance. Once everything is in place, you can request a video call through the app, or the prisoner can request one on your behalf. Prison staff will then schedule the call and send confirmation via email.
It’s important to note that all video calls are recorded, and prison staff may monitor the call while it’s happening. Despite this level of oversight, video calls provide a valuable opportunity to maintain a visual connection with your loved one, which can be incredibly reassuring during their time in custody.
Social visits are one of the most personal and meaningful ways for inmates to stay connected with their loved ones. Unlike phone calls or letters, which lack the depth of face-to-face interaction, in-person visits allow inmates and their families to see and talk to each other directly. This personal connection can be incredibly comforting for both parties, providing a sense of closeness that other forms of communication simply can’t match. The opportunity to spend extended time together, free from the time constraints of phone calls or video sessions, allows for more in-depth conversations and a stronger bond. These visits also offer the chance for emotional and physical support through simple gestures like a hug or holding hands—small actions that can have a powerful impact on the inmate’s emotional well-being.
However, social visits are not without their challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the cost and time involved in traveling to the prison. Many families must travel long distances to visit their loved ones, which can be both expensive and time-consuming. This burden is especially heavy for those with limited financial resources, making frequent visits difficult or even impossible. Additionally, the frequency of visits is often limited due to the logistical complexities of scheduling and prison regulations. This can be frustrating for families who want to maintain regular contact but find themselves constrained by the available visit slots.
Moreover, the security measures in place during these visits can add another layer of difficulty. Visits are closely monitored by prison staff, and there are strict rules about what can be brought into the visiting area. Depending on the prison’s regulations and the inmate’s security status, physical contact may be limited, making it challenging to provide the kind of emotional support that comes naturally in less restrictive environments. Despite these challenges, for many families, the benefits of in-person visits far outweigh the drawbacks, offering a vital connection that helps sustain their relationships through difficult times.
To check stats on different prisons and to find out their processes on visiting time check out our A-Z of UK Prisons, and find details of visiting time and how to book.
You can also use the Government resource to help you book a visit in any UK Prison. In some cases you may have to contact the prison directly.
Staying in touch with someone in prison can be challenging, but various services are available to make the process easier and more affordable. Here’s a closer look at some of the key services that can help you maintain communication with your loved one:
As mentioned above, our service offering cheap prison calls can significantly reduce the cost of communication. By providing a local landline number that forwards calls to your mobile or home phone, we lower the per-minute cost of calls from prison. This can result in substantial savings, sometimes up to £100 a month, allowing you to maintain regular contact without financial strain.
This can be especially useful if your loved one is in a prison that charges high rates for phone calls. By reducing the cost per minute, you can afford to talk more frequently, ensuring that your loved one feels supported and connected to the outside world. Start Saving On Prison Calls Today!
The Email a Prisoner service is a convenient way to send messages to your loved one. It’s faster than sending a letter and less expensive than making a phone call. In some prisons, the prisoner can also reply to your emails, making it a two-way communication tool. This service is particularly useful if you want to send frequent updates or if the prisoner is unable to call regularly.
Using the Email a Prisoner UK service ensures that your messages are delivered quickly and securely. Each email costs just 40p, making it an affordable option for maintaining regular communication. Additionally, the ability to send photos through the service adds a personal touch, helping your loved one feel more connected to your life.
Booking a prison visit online is the most efficient way to arrange a face-to-face meeting with your loved one. The process is straightforward, and you’ll receive confirmation from the prison once your visit is approved. This service ensures that you can plan your visits in advance, making it easier to coordinate with your schedule.
Visiting your loved one in person can be a powerful way to maintain your relationship. The physical presence and emotional support provided during these visits can be incredibly beneficial for the prisoner’s mental health and well-being.
Use our A-Z guide of UK Prisons to find out more about visiting information for prisons nationwide.
Supporting a loved one in prison often involves sending them money for essentials like toiletries, extra food, or phone credits. Most prisons allow you to send a prisoner money through online services, which is a quick and secure way to ensure your loved one has what they need. This service is especially important if the prisoner relies on your financial support while incarcerated.
By sending money, you can help your loved one afford basic necessities and make their time in prison a bit more comfortable. It also ensures that they can stay connected with you through phone calls or other communication methods that require financial resources.
Use our Send Money To A Prisoner guide to find our more about the process of sending money to a prisoner.
If you need to get a message to a prisoner quickly, some services allow you to send a message to any UK prison. These messages are usually printed out and delivered to the prisoner by staff, ensuring that your communication reaches them promptly. This service is particularly useful for urgent messages or when you need to communicate something important.
Using this service ensures that your message is delivered swiftly and securely, providing peace of mind that your loved one has received your communication. This can be especially important in situations where timely information is crucial.
By utilizing these services, you can ensure that your loved one has the opportunity to stay connected with you without the added stress of high phone bills. Regular communication can play a significant role in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society upon release.
While staying in touch with someone in prison is crucial, it’s not without its challenges. The restrictions and costs associated with prison communication can create barriers that make it difficult to maintain regular contact. However, by understanding the options available and using services that offer cheap prison calls and other affordable communication methods, you can overcome these challenges.
Each prison has its own set of rules and regulations regarding communication. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure that your communication efforts are successful. For example, some prisons may have specific guidelines about the content of letters or the times during which phone calls can be made. Understanding these regulations can help you avoid any unnecessary delays or complications in your communication.
Staying in touch with a loved one in prison can be expensive, especially if you’re not aware of cost-saving options like cheap prison calls. Planning and budgeting for these expenses is essential to ensure that you can maintain regular contact without straining your finances. Consider using a combination of communication methods, such as letters, emails, and phone calls, to balance costs and maintain a steady connection.
The emotional impact of incarceration affects both the prisoner and their loved ones. Regular communication is vital for providing emotional support and reassurance. However, it’s also important to take care of your own emotional well-being. Staying in touch can be stressful, especially when dealing with the challenges and limitations of prison communication. Seeking support from friends, family, or counseling services can help you manage the emotional toll of maintaining a relationship with someone in prison.
Maintaining communication with a loved one in prison is essential for their well-being and rehabilitation. By understanding the different ways to stay in touch and taking advantage of services that offer cheap prison calls, emails, video calls, and visits, you can support your loved one without incurring excessive costs.
Each method of communication has its own set of rules, costs, and benefits, so it’s important to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you’re making a phone call, sending an email, or booking a visit, staying connected with your loved one can make a significant difference in their experience while incarcerated.
Ultimately, the key to staying in touch with someone in prison is to be informed and proactive. By using the services available and planning your communication carefully, you can maintain a strong connection with your loved one throughout their time in custody. Regular communication not only provides emotional support but also plays a critical role in helping the prisoner stay connected to the outside world, which can be vital for their successful reintegration into society upon release.
Visiting a loved one in prison is a crucial way to maintain relationships and offer support.
Guide To Visiting A PrisonerFind out everything you need to know about cheaper calls from UK prisons and how it works.
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