This is the first time that my friend/family member has been in prison – where can I get some general information on prison life?
The Prisoner Information Booklets below contain general information on what to expect in prison.
Prisoners’ Information Book for Men and Young Offenders
Prisoners’ Information Book for Women Prisoners and Young Offenders
How can I obtain more information about visiting my family member/friend?
For information about visiting a prisoner and keeping in touch please see the booklet Visiting and Keeping in Touch
Further information can be found on the Prison Service Website
I am having trouble getting through on the phone to book a visit. Who can I contact?
You can telephone the Prisoners' Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003 who will be able to give you advice and possibly contact the booking line on your behalf. You will need to give them information about how long you have spent on the phone trying to book a visit.
If you want information about the work of the Prisoners' Families Helpline:
Prisoners' Families Helpline
I can’t afford the travel to the prison – can anyone help?
If you are on a low income and a close relative, partner or only visitor to someone in prison, you may be able to get help with the cost of visitng. For more information, follow this link:
Assisted prison visits
How can my family member/friend get funding for an educational course in prison?
There are a number of charitable organisations that may help. You can download their details at the bottom of the page.
My friend/family member is due out soon, where can I find information about housing/employment?
Organizations that can help:
The Apex Trust aims to improve the employment prospects of ex-offenders by providing services, training and advice. They operate JobCheck – a new national telephone helpline for ex-offenders and employers.
The Apex Trust
St Alphage House
Wingate Annexe
2 Fore St
London
EC2Y 5DA
National Helpline: 0870 608 4567
www.apextrust.com
Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs) can offer advice on many areas including housing and benefits. To locate your nearest CAB office, click here.
NACRO can offer resettlement information and advice both before and after release. It also runs housing projects and employment training schemes in locations across England and Wales. NACRO Resettlement Plus Line is a free-phone helpline for prisoners, their families and friends.
NACRO Resettlement Plus Line: 0800 0181 259
www.nacro.org.uk
Shelter has an online directory of housing advice services across the UK. To find a centre close to you click here.
Shelter also has a Housing Advice Line: Ring free on 0808 800 4444. The lines are open seven days a week from 8am to midnight.
Stonham Housing Association is the largest provider of housing for ex-offenders. They operate across the country and have accommodation for men and women of all ages offering varying degrees of support. For information contact the head office at:
Octavia House
235-241 Union Street
London
SE1 0LR
Telephone: 020 7401 2020
http://www.stonham.org.uk/
My family member/friend wants to transfer to a prison closer to their family – is this possible and if so, how can it happen?
Click here for information on transfers.
I am worried about my family member/friend’s mental health, what should I do?
My family member/friend isn’t receiving the medical treatment that he/she needs – what can I do?
All prisoners have the right to access the same level of health care that they would receive in the community. If they feel this is not happening, they should put in a complaint to the Head of Healthcare at their prison. They can do this through the request/complaint system. They should clearly state the problem and what they would like done about it.
If the response is unsatisfactory, they can complain to the local Primary Care Trust. The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service can assist with this:
If you need any more information on any of the above areas please contact us. | 
